HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes EDAB 090705ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD
September 7, 2005
Minutes
The Economic Development Advisory Board met on September 7, 2005. The meeting
was called to order at 8:31 am 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.
I. ROLL CALL
Members Present: Frank Compiani, Lou Gaeta, Casey Steinbacher, Kenneth Kahn,
James Kissel, Eric Habecker, Mark Murnan, and Elaine Beers.
Also Present: Dolores Key, Staff Liaison and Economic Development/Marketing
Director; Charles Wu, Growth Management Administrator; Allyson Maiwurm,
Administrative Projects Coordinator; and Kelvin Wise, Code Enforcement Supervisor
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Board approved the minutes from the May 12, 2005 meeting.
111. ITEMS BY STAFF LIAISON
Comprehensive Plan Changes
Dolores Key informed the Board that the Comprehensive Plan Amendments for the
Briger property land -use changes are now official. She thanked the Board for their work
and support of the Comprehensive Plan changes.
PGA National DRI Agreement
Dolores brought the Board up to date on the PGA National DRI Agreement. An
agreement has been reached with DCA to protect the traffic concurrency (trips) within
PGA National DRI so that businesses may complete expansion of their facilities.
Anspach Update
Dolores gave the Board an update of the status of the Anspach Companies project. She
thanked the Business Development Board and County Commissioner, Karen Marcus for
their assistance. The County has agreed to re- evaluate the traffic model that had been
used to calculate trip generation in RCA Park. She stated that trips have been
calculated from models that were 10 to 15 years old. With newer manuals based on
better data, more trips should be available to RCA Park. Therefore, Anspach should be
able to expand and create more jobs in the community.
Board Vacancies
Dolores discussed the Board's vacancies and reappointments. She is recommending
the reappointment of Elaine Beers and Mark Murnan for two -year appointments and Jim
Kissel for two -year term as a regular member as opposed to alternate. Dave Haysmer
has submitted a letter of resignation and it is anticipated that Frank Compiani will be
leaving the Board pending the approval of RSM McGladrey, Inc. contract with the City
as independent auditors.
Targeted Expedited Permitting Program
The Targeted Expedited Permitting Program needs to be adopted into the Land
Development Regulations (LDRs). Even though the Economic Development Element
has been adopted into the Comprehensive Plan, the specific program needs to be
adopted into the LDRs. Dolores, Mike Sanchez and Nancy Stroud are drafting an
ordinance outlining the Targeting Expedited Permitting Program that will be ready for
the Board's review at the next meeting.
Other Items of Interest
Charles Wu stated that any future land -use plan changes from non - residential to
residential land -use will be brought before the EDAB for review to determine the impact
upon economic development. The Board will be given an informal presentation and
their recommendations, along with the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board's
recommendation, will be reflected in the staff report to City Council
Charles also stated that the issue of non -residential land -use versus residential land -
use has been raised at the Intergovernmental Plan Amendment Review Committee
(IPARC). IPARC is made up of a volunteer group of planning directors that meet
quarterly and an executive committee consisting of elected officials throughout the
county. IPARC has had discussions regarding converting land use from non -residential
to residential and he hopes that the elected officials will have second thoughts about
approving these conversions because of the impact it could have on economic
development. Casey Steinbacher stated that the North Palm Beach County Chamber
of Commerce has been on record as opposing the conversions in the City of Palm
Beach Gardens because of the small amount of available land that is left for commercial
development.
Lou Gaeta feels there is a problem educating the public regarding traffic and traffic
concurrency. He stated that every time a new commercial project comes on -line the
public does not understand that residential communities actually generate more traffic
than commercial. He would like the Board assist in finding a way to help educate the
public on this issue.
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IV. NEW BUSINESS
Ordinance 12, 2005 Property Maintenance Standards
Kelvin Wise, Code Enforcement Supervisor, presented Ordinance 12, 2005 - Property
Maintenance Standards, to the Board. Kelvin presented the background of Ordinance
12, 2005 and how it was initiated. He went over the comparison with the existing code,
and the proposed language of the new Ordinance. He discussed the purpose and
scope of the Ordinance and the inspection process. Additionally, Kelvin discussed the
enforcement of the Ordinance including Code Enforcement Officers issuing citations
and using the Special Magistrate as an alterative method of enforcing this Ordinance.
Kelvin discussed the maintenance appearance standards that are proposed in the
Ordinance. Some of these included: Using one principal color of paint on the home's
structure, the lawn being free of weeds, rubbish and refuse, no outdoor storage of
debris or unsuitable equipment, no graffiti, no obvious deterioration. In addition, there
will be no accumulation of stagnant water, and the exterior of property shall be free of
hazards. House numbers will be required and shall be visible from road. He also
discussed the responsibilities of owners and operators of rental properties including
dwellings, hotels and rooming houses. Kelvin showed the Board photos of homes that
will be unacceptable under the new Ordinance. Kelvin also discussed the pubic
information campaign that staff has put together to make residents aware of the new
Ordinance. He explained the plan for implementing the Ordinance.
Since the Ordinance had already been presented to the Community Aesthetics Board
and the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, Kelvin discussed each Board's comments
and concerns regarding this Ordinance. The Community Aesthetics Board's concerns
included: requiring residents to use a specified color palette when painting their homes,
how the Ordinance was going to be enforced and how to educate residents about the
new Ordinance. Kelvin stated that although the Community Aesthetics Board is in favor
of a color palette, however staff is not in support of taking this action.
The Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board's concerns included: wanting to hold a
meeting being held to educate property managers and HOA's, discussion regarding the
effect on the City's drainage swales and the technical specifications of the Ordinance.
Kelvin also informed the Board that he is suggesting that the City adopt the International
Property Maintenance Standards.
Kenneth Kahn had questions concerning how the proposed Ordinance would affect
commercial properties that are presently covered by a POA. Kelvin stated that
whichever is more restrictive would prevail. The same thing would apply to HOA's.
Charles Wu added that a POA is an agreement between a property owner and tenant
and therefore is not enforceable by the City. If the POA or HOA restrictions conflict with
the City Code, the City Code would prevail. Kenneth Kahn asked what if the restrictions
are too vague or are equivalent to the City Code. Charles stated that the City Code
would then be enforced.
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There was discussion regarding a color palette (as recommended by the Community
Aesthetics Board) wherein residents/businesses would have to select exterior paint from
an approved palette. The Board voiced strong objections to dictating specific colors or
a palette of colors.
There was also discussion regarding the size of home address numbers that would be
required by the Ordinance. Kelvin stated that staff has discussed this and is
recommending that house numbers should be visible from the road but would not have
to be a specific size.
Frank Compiani had a concern that the Ordinance will cause a hardship on residents
that may not have the funds to upgrade their property. Kelvin stated that there would be
grants available, similar to the Military Trail Grant Program, and the Community
Aesthetics Board would be responsible for reviewing grant applications and making
recommendations on awards. In addition, staff will give residents a list of other
resources to assist with special needs.
Frank stated that he hopes that City would not give citations to homeowners, rather try
and help them prior to giving out fines. He is also concerned with elderly and handicap
people who are unable to maintain their property. Kelvin stated that he is hoping that
neighbors will help each other.
There will be further discussion about this Ordinance at the next Board meeting.
V. NEXT MEETING
Kelvin Wise is going to bring back Ordinance 12, 2005 for further discussion. The
Board will also discuss Targeted Expedited Permitting Program and the implementation
of a community education program regarding traffic concurrency.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 A.M.
Approval:
enneth Kahn, Chairperson
Lou Gaeta, Vice Chairperson
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Elaine Beers, Board Member
Eric Habecker, Board Member
Casey Steinbacher, Board Member
Steve Cohen, Alternate Board Member
Sandra Foland, Alternate Board Member
Attest:
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Susan Bell
Public Information/ Recording Coordinator
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