HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 110404CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
November 4, 2004
The November 4, 2004 Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Beach
Gardens, Florida, was called to order at 7:07 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 Russo, and Councilmember Levy.
Councilmember Delgado was absent due to a family emergency.
ADDITIONS, DELETIONS AND MODIFICATIONS
Mayor Jablin reported additions under Section 7, City Manager Report, of Police
Department Third Quarter Report and Citywide Economic Development Initiative; under
Section 8, Items for Council Action and Discussion, the Memorandum of Understanding
from Palm Beach County; and deletion under Section 8, Items for Council Action and
Discussion, Discussion regarding Councilmember Communication and how each member
represents him or herself as an individual on behalf of Council or a voting member of
another board, with that item to be postponed until the November 18, 2004 meeting.
Councilmember Levy moved approval of the additions, deletions, and modifications as
announced by Mayor Jablin. Vice Mayor Russo seconded the motion, which carried by
unanimous 3 -0 vote.
ITEMS OF RESIDENT INTEREST:
Councilmember Levy announced a Duncan Middle School a band concert and assembly on
Wednesday November 10; Veterans Day Concert at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, and
November 5 the Chamber of Commerce wine tasting event which was a part of the Arti Gras
promotion, and encouraged everyone to attend these events. Mayor Jablin reported the City
Manager had a wonderful idea to put magnetic ribbons supporting the troops on all City
vehicles and to give them out at the November 11 concert.
CITY MANAGER REPORT:
Police Department Third Quarter Report — Chief Stephen Stepp reported calls for service
were significantly reduced, crime was down, there had been one homicide which had been
solved, and burglaries were up slightly. Arrests were at record numbers. A grant audit had
yielded a successful response. Chief Stepp discussed programs which were funded by grants.
Ernie Volante was recognized as a member of Citizens on Patrol. Mayor Jablin also
acknowledged Marilyn Jacobs, who was recently appointed to the North Palm Beach
Improvement District Board.
Citywide Economic Development Initiative - City Manager Ferris introduced Natalie Wong,
who provided a status report of the citywide initiative on economic development. Vacant
parcels within the city had been identified, and an analysis had been prepared which
indicated the most suitable parcels for the initiative. Staff recommended approval of a city -
initiated land use change for research and development uses for the Brigger property, a city -
initiated zoning change, and authorization from the City Council for staff to notify the
property owner of these proposed changes. During Council discussion, Ms. Wong clarified
that the intended land use change was to be mixed use to be poised to accommodate biotech
users. The City Manager commented this was being done to diversify the tax base to be less
dependent on residential property owners, whether or not Scripps might possibly locate on
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS REGULAR MEETING, 11/04/04
this parcel. Vice Mayor Russo made a motion to adopt staff's recommendation.
Councilmember Levy seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 3 -0 vote.
Councilmember Levy suggested redevelopment of parcels along Burns Road. Consensus was
for staff to include those properties in their analysis. Discussion was held regarding
transportation for volunteer fire personnel. The City Manager indicated it was not necessary
to purchase a new vehicle at this time. City Manager Ferris recognized Patty Snider, City
Clerk, who had been voted in as Vice President of the Palm Beach County Municipal Clerks'
Association.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC:
Pat Hughey, Reed Drive, asked if the Big Heart Brigade would be held this year. Fire Chief
Bergel responded it would begin November 23, 2004 at Station 3, and the goal this year was
15,000 meals.
Marilyn Jacobs, Bermuda Lakes Drive, requested support for the Northern Palm Beach
County Improvement District changes to their election process. Vice Mayor Russo requested
a resolution in support of this process
Bob Denny, Tamberlane Condominium Association representative, requested copies of the
photos of the tornado damage during Hurricane Jeanne, and help with flooding in that area
including the swale program. City Manager Ferris indicated the City Engineer would look at
the situation.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Vice Mayor Russo moved approval of the consent agenda. Councilmember Levy seconded
the motion, which carried by unanimous 3 -0 vote. The following items were approved on
consent agenda:
a. Resolution 206, 2004 - The Ophthalmology Research Foundation Plat. A
Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
approving the Ophthalmology Research Foundation Plat; and providing an
effective date.
b. Proclamation — GIS Day
C. Proclamation — National Epilepsy Awareness Month
ITEMS FOR COUNCIL ACTION/DISCUSSION:
Discussion of Memorandum of Understanding with Palm Beach County — The City Manager
read from an e -mail from Commissioner Karen Marcus, who indicated she had been
authorized by the County Commission to proceed with work regarding alternate sites for
Scripps of Parcel 19 and the Brigger Tract, and requested direction on how to proceed.
Discussion ensued. Vice Mayor Russo made a motion directing the City Manager to work
with the MOU and the County, and come back to the council with the information.
Councilmember Levy seconded the motion, which carried by unanimous 3 -0 vote.
Tree Planting Program — Councilmember Levy requested staff look into reinstating the Tree
Planting Program to replace some of the trees lost during the recent hurricanes. The City
Manager suggested an alternative program where residents would be responsible for
maintenance for trees planted on their property, since the former tree planting program had
been to plant in the swales, which needed to be kept clear. Consensus was for staff to move
forward and try to coordinate this into next year's budget.
Building Code for Screen Enclosures — Councilmember Levy reported residents in the Hunt
Club had screen enclosures destroyed during the hurricanes that had been rated to withstand
140 mph winds, and suggested changing the code requirements so this more costly screening
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS REGULAR MEETING, 11/04/04 3
would not be required if it would not withstand the wind. The City Manager advised that was
the state building code, and staff would look into this matter and provide information.
CITY ATTORNEY REPORT:
City Attorney Christine Tatum reported that a negligence case involving a trip and fall with
the City of North Palm Beach had been resolved with the City being dismissed from that
litigation, and a notice had been received that the challenge to the approval of the Landmark
building had been dismissed by the petitioner.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
APPROVAL:
COUNCILMEMBER LEVY -
ATTEST:
PATRICIA SNIDER
CITY CLERK