HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes EDAB 060806Economic Development Advisory Board
June 8, 2006
The Economic Development Advisory Board met on June 8, 2006. The meeting
was called to order by the Chair, Kenneth Kahn, at 8:30 A.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.
1. Roll Call
Members Present
Kenneth Kahn Chair
Lou Gaeta Vice Chair
Casey Steinbacher
James Kissel
Mark Murnan
Steve Cohen 1 st Alternate
Members Absent
Elaine Beers
Sandra Foland 2nd Alternate
Also Present:
Dolores Key, Economic Development Director and Staff Liaison
Kara Irwin, Planning Manager
II. Approval of Minutes
The Board discussed the minutes from the March 9, 2006 meeting. There was a
question regarding the Bioscience Land Use Advisory Board's role in making
land use changes to identified properties. The Recording Coordinator will re-
listen to the audio of the meeting and will provide the findings to the Staff Liaison.
111. Staff Report
There was discussion about the Board meetings scheduled for July 13, 2006 and
August 10, 2006. Mayor Joseph Russo, Council Liaison, will be out of town on
those dates and asked if the meetings could be changed to the 3`d Thursday of
July and August. After some discussion the Board agreed to change the July
meeting to July 20, 2006, however, they cannot move the August meeting
because several Board members have other commitments.
Kara Irwin spoke about the Bio Science Incentive Overlay that the City is in the
process of creating and she presented the background of the Bio Science Land
Protection Advisory Board. Kara spoke about the Bio Science Board being an
entity that makes recommendations on land use amendments and rezoning that
would change properties designated within the overlay. Kara presented an
overview on the Comprehensive Plan Amendments that are being proposed and
stated that staff did an inventory of properties within the City that could
accommodate Bio Science uses because they had to show the County and the
State that 8 million square feet could be added within a 5 mile radius of the
Scripps projects. 16 million square feet was identified within a 5 mile radius and
51.9 million square feet was identified within a 10 mile radius. Kara discussed
the types of properties that were identified and added that the language for the
land use element change will establish the overlay and set forth permitted uses
and prohibited uses within the overlay. Kara discussed the properties that were
identified and said they are also making amendments to the Economic
Development Element with regard to incentives. Kara stated that there will also
be changes made to the Intergovernmental Element. This element addresses the
City's partnership with the County and other municipalities. Kara explained the
process for the approval and transmittal of the amendment changes. They plan
on having the changes completed before the end of 2006. Kara discussed the
overlay map and went over the properties that are included in the Bio Science
Overlay.
There were questions about the Bio Science Land Protection Board regarding
the number of members on the Board and their voting process. Kenneth Kahn
asked about how this will affect a property that already has approvals but is not
yet built. Kara stated that this will not affect these properties but if a developer
comes in and asks to rezone or to amend the land use the Bio Science Board will
discuss the property. There was discussion about what would be considered
prohibited use and Kara stated that as of now they have not found anything that
would be prohibited. Kara explained that they are not changing what is currently
allowed but they are setting a definition for the Bio Science uses. There was
conversation about the companies that will support the Bio Science companies
and how they will play a part in the future of the Bio Science process. Casey
Steinbacher and Lou Gaeta want to make sure that the proper language is used
and Casey suggested they engage as much of the business community and
Economic Advisory Board as possible. Kara added that a letter was sent out and
an informational meeting was held for property owners. The property owners
were shown the same presentation to be made aware of the proposed changes
to the Comprehensive Plan Amendments. The meeting was well attended and
there were comments and ideas about possible incentives and the possibility of
the property owners being a part of the incentives. This meeting was also
attended by property owners in Jupiter. Casey Steinbacher feels that Palm
Beach Gardens is leading the way in this project and other municipalities are
going to follow what is being done in the City.
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Kenneth Kahn made a suggestion for a potential incentive. He talked about if an
approved Bio Science company needs waivers on approved zoning that there
should be a process to view them favorably and speed up the process. Kara
added that there has been discussion about setting up criteria for certain waivers
that are requested more often and are considered minor waivers. If the company
meets the criteria they will not have to request a waiver. Kara added that the
City's Targeted Expedited Permitting process has encouraged other
municipalities to set up similar systems in their cities. Discussion ensued about
what other types of incentives could be offered and how the private sector could
play a part in the incentive process.
IV. Next Meeting
Discussion regarding incentives and the process for new companies interested in
moving to the City.
V. ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to discuss the meeting adjourned at 9:16 AM.
Approval:
IN
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Kenneth Kahn, Chairperson
Lou Gaeta, Vice Chairperson
Elaine Beers, Board Member
Member
Muman, Board Member
Casey Steinbacher, Board Member
Steve Cohen, Alternate Board Member
Sandra Foland, Alternate Board Member
Debbie Andrea, Citizens Services Specialist
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