HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 011206CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
January 12, 2006
The January 12, 2006 Special Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm Beach
Gardens, Florida, was called to order at 5:01 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal
Complex, located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, by Mayor
Russo, 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 Russo, Vice Mayor Jablin, Councilmember Levy,
Councilmember Valeche, and Councilmember Barnett.
ITEMS FOR COUNCIL ACTION/DISCUSSION:
Resolution 16, 2006. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida expressing continued support for the Scripps Research Institute locating in Palm
Beach County; and providing an effective date. Mayor Russo expressed thanks for the quick
response in getting this meeting together, and explained he had felt the meeting was
necessary because the rules of the game had changed. Mayor Russo commented that 3 -4
weeks ago the City Council had made a decision to step away from the Scripps issue from
the point of not wanting to contribute more emotion. The City had provided a significant
amount of information to the State and County regarding Scripps, and after emotion against
the City was expressed at the last County Commission meeting, the City had decided to step
away to hopefully help the process. Mayor Russo explained that now things had changed and
he felt that stepping away did not show the commitment the City had to Scripps. Boca Raton,
Delray, South County, and Deerfield Beach were now very actively involved in the process,
and Mayor Russo expressed his opinion that the whole State of Florida and the County of
Palm Beach needed to know that Palm Beach Gardens was as committed as ever to be sure
that Scripps was successful in South Florida. The Mayor stated that the goal was to put
Scripps here, and he believed that Boca Raton was involved because they had seen the
process floundering, and he thought Palm Beach Gardens should take a leadership role to get
this back on track however it could be done. That was the reason for tonight's meeting and
he thought the proposed resolution put into perspective where the process stood, the
direction of the City, and where the City wanted to go.
Vice Mayor Jablin clarified that the City had previously directed staff to investigate how an
overlay zone could be created, on which unfortunately some people had placed a negative
spin, but it had been a positive action. The Vice Mayor commented that the City had
requested the County to provide in writing what they would like, but with the acquiescence
of the Council he wanted to correct that now to state the City would provide posthaste
whatever the County needed with a phone call. Mayor Russo commented he had never
stopped working on this but had continued to attend meetings and always had been able to
relay the City's perspective, and stressed the City's intent to help in any way possible to
place Scripps in a location where it would provide the best economic impact for the County
and the State.
Councilmember Levy commented he had given this matter a lot of thought and stated the
Abacoa/Briger site was far superior to the other choices, with the university already there
and arrangements already in place to do collaboration work with the University of Florida
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS SPECIAL MEETING, 1/12/06 2
and Florida State University. Councilmember Levy indicated he would like to make this a
complete North County effort, with the City reaching out to Jupiter, North Palm Beach,
Riviera Beach and Lake Park, who would all greatly benefit if Scripps were located at the
Abacoa/Briger site. Councilmember Levy advised that he represented, as an environmental
consultant, a property owner who wanted Scripps at the Abacoa/Briger location because he
owned buildings in Lake Park, Riviera Beach, and Mangonia Park that could easily be
converted as rentals for high -tech facilities, and that would be a good place for incubator and
startup laboratories. Mayor Russo reported Commissioner Marcus had been holding
meetings of North County Cities, and Lake Park and Riviera Beach had been attending and
were involved. Mayor Russo explained that there was to be a meeting the next morning and
the purpose of tonight's meeting was to be able to have a staff representative present, and to
be prepared to act, since staff had previously been directed not to work on this matter. At this
point nothing had been requested of the City, but Mayor Russo expected there would be
requests shortly. Councilmember Barnett asked if information had been provided about the
large amount of land available in the City. Senior Planner Kara Irwin provided a report on
what had previously been done by staff in providing information. Mayor Russo reported that
Jupiter and Lake Park and Riviera Beach were all providing the same information.
Councilmember Valeche commented he felt it unfortunate the City had been viewed by some
as uncooperative and he would be happy to support the resolution. Councilmember Barnett
indicated she did not want the resolution to look defensive. Councilmember Valeche also felt
some of the language was defensive, and suggested changes in the language.
In the second recital, Councilmember Valeche stated he was not sure whether Scripps
Research Institute had selected the site, and asked staff to research who had really selected
the site, and if it had been the county and Scripps together to put that in. Councilmember
Levy suggested just saying the site had been selected and not to say who selected it.
Councilmember Valeche suggested after the parcel west of Palm Beach Gardens known as
Mecca Farms to add in parenthesis ( "the Research Park'). Discussion ensued. It was
suggested to omit the history, eliminating items 1, 2, and 3. Vice Mayor Jablin suggested an
addition: That this Council direct staff to continue to work with the County, Jupiter, Lake
Park, North Palm Beach, and Riviera Beach to promote the location of Scripps Research
Institute in north Palm Beach County. Councilmember Barnett suggested stating: "Generally
provide information to ". Councilmember Levy requested the language regarding the
comprehensive plan amendments be left in to show the City had done that; Councilmember
Valeche felt the other items should remain if one was left in. Councilmember Barnett
indicated the purpose was that the Council wanted to continue to direct staff to work on this
and to state to whom they were to provide information. Vice Mayor Jablin noted that was
why he had suggested adding the language: That this Council direct staff to continue to work
with the County, Jupiter, Lake Park, North Palm Beach, and Riviera Beach to pursue or
promote the location of Scripps Research Institute in north Palm Beach County.
Councilmember Levy suggested adding a point person from the Council to this and giving
the Mayor that authority. Vice Mayor Jablin commented he thought the City Manager also
should be free to do whatever was needed and did not want to tie anyone's hands —this was
too important. Mayor Russo advised he had been doing that — taking the position of this
Council wherever he went —but the Council was not leading an effort to lure Scripps to their
City as Boca Raton and Delray were, this Council was working with other north county
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS SPECIAL MEETING, 1/12/06 3
cities to get Scripps here. At this point Scripps could not come to the City of Palm Beach
Gardens unless something was changed within the City that allowed them to do that land
wise. The City was in a supportive role, and should be right there to support Jupiter, where
Scripps might go, and expressed hope that Riviera Beach and Lake Park would also provide
support for Jupiter since they both had land that would support this process. Councilmember
Levy noted that Mangonia Park had buildings that would be very useful; Mayor Russo
responded he would bring that up at the next day's meeting. Councilmember Barnett
suggested adding language about economic, educational, and living benefits by having
Scripps in neighboring vicinity. Mayor Russo advised whenever he was interviewed by a
newspaper reporter he always talked about the impact that Scripps would have on better
education, better jobs, better culture, and better economic impact to the State by locating in
north county, and without this there it would almost be impossible to lure other businesses
here. Councilmember Barnett suggested adding that to the resolution. Mayor Russo reported
he had spoken to Senator Pruitt, Senator Atwater, Commissioner Massalotti, Commissioner
Newell, Commissioner Marcus, Representative Domino, and almost anyone who would talk
about this and they knew the City was in a supportive rather than a leadership role.
Councilmember Levy suggested giving tours to some of the State leaders so they could see
the land and buildings that were available in the north county area. Mayor Russo suggested
taking Commissioner Green on a tour, and inviting all the commissioners —the decision was
really up to the county commissioners. After a decision was made there would be a lot of
work to do to get other businesses to come here, and he felt things would happen fast during
the next week. Councilmember Barnett requested that any other information be brought forth
at this meeting. Mayor Russo commented he knew of nothing except the inventory, and the
other cities were preparing their inventories, and there would be a meeting the next morning.
Councilmember Barnett commented she saw no difference in now and several months ago.
Mayor Russo commented this meeting was to have staff in a position where they could work
on this.
The City Attorney read aloud the revised resolution, advising she had deleted all the
"whereas" clauses and deleted Section 1, which had just re- stated the "whereas" clauses. The
revised Section 1 now read: The City Council of the City of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
recognizes the importance of and continues to support the location of the Scripps Research
Institute in Palm Beach County. Section 2: Additionally, the City Council of the City ofPalm
Beach Gardens, Florida expresses its preference for the location of the Scripps Research
Institute in northern Palm Beach County and particularly in the Palm Beach
Gardens /Jupiter area. Section 3: The City Manager is hereby directed to continue to
cooperate with Palm Beach County and the municipalities in Palm Beach County to support
efforts to locate the Scripps Research Institute in the north county area. This resolution shall
become effective immediately upon adoption.
Mayor Russo advised that the City had not met with Scripps because they felt this
transaction was structured between the State and Scripps, and they had brought it to the
county, so the City felt they should work through the county. Councilmember Levy
commented Scripps had stated they would go anywhere to get this deal done, but their
preference was the Abacoa/Briger site.
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS SPECIAL MEETING, 1/12/06
Vice Mayor Jablin moved approval of Resolution 16, 2006. Councilmember Levy seconded
the motion, which carried by unanimous 5 -0 vote.
Mayor Russo requested the City Manager provide a member of staff to attend the meeting
the next day. Councilmember Levy noted this Council was 100% unified in doing the right
thing for the Scripps Research Institute. Mayor Russo indicated he believed the Commission
had directed staff to provide information to them by February 20. The Mayor felt any tours
should be coordinated through the group that was meeting the next day.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further busine
APPROVAL:
M10
COUNk%,4 IEMBER LEVY
J
CO(JNCILMEMBER VALEq.HF/
i!
COUNdtMEMBER BARNETT
ATTEST: l
PATRICIA SNIDER, CMC
CITY CLERK
5 P.M.