HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 082399CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
• SPECIAL MEETING
AUGUST 23, 1999
8:15 A.M.
On Monday, August 23, 1999, at 8:15 a.m. all members of the City Council, Lennart Lindahl,
City Engineer, Richard Diamond, Assistant City Manager, Beth Ingold, Public Information
Officer, Bob Patty, Public Works Director, and other staff members met at 3704 Burns Road,
Public Works Department, to tour dredging work being done on certain canals within the City.
Council and staff drove to 3761 Dogwood Avenue, where they were met by residents, and toured
the Canal between Riverside Drive and Dogwood Avenue. Mayor Russo stated that this tour was
informational in nature for the City Council and that no decisions would be made today
regarding dredging and the continuation of the project. Mayor Russo stated that the Council
would discuss what was seen and learned today on this tour at a Workshop meeting called for
Thursday, August 26, 1999, at 7:00 P.M.
Residents Jack Tare and Zola Hartman presented pictures to the City Council, showing the
condition of the canals before the dredging project began and questioned legalities of removal of
vegetation and what they felt was the devaluation of their properties. In response to residents,
Mayor Russo asked that the City Engineer be prepared at Thursday's meeting to discuss how the
additional water from widening and deepening the canals would flow through the bridges. The
City Engineer was further requested to be prepared to answer why the water in the canal no
longer flowed twice a day as it used to in the past. The City Engineer was asked to be prepared
at the meeting to answer questions regarding how the dredging project would improve flood
control and drainage in the City.
Residents discussed erosion of the banks and felt that the vegetation halted further erosion and
that dredging destroyed habitats of endangered species. Mayor Russo explained that the City
experienced 2 major floods in the last 3 years and that the City needed to address that issue as
well to assure residents of proper drainage.
Vice Mayor Furtado requested a police report regarding potential for increased crime when the
area is heavily vegetated.
Mayor Russo explained to the residents that the reason the 20 foot right -of -way was put aside for
the City was for drainage and asked that they understand that issue as well. Mayor Russo stated
that the City was happy that residents enjoyed the use of the right -of -way and wanted them to be
able to enjoy it in the future as well, however, the City needed access to the property when it
came to drainage and canal maintenance. Mayor Russo pointed out that the City needed to be .
responsive to everyone, including those residents that experienced heavy flooding during the
heavy rains. Mayor Russo stated that the City needed to determine how wide the right -of -way
must be cleared to be able to get heavy equipment to the site for dredging and maintenance of the
canals. Mayor Russo stated that today City officials and staff were looking at mitigation and
. how to get the equipment in the area for future maintenance.
Mayor Russo felt that the City needed to set standards for canal maintenance. Mayor Russo
pointed out that the City was trying to solve the problem with the least amount of problems for
the residents. City Council requested staff to review maintenance procedures used by the City of
Wellington and as a means to draft maintenance standards for City canals.
The issue of building platforms was discussed. Mayor Russo explained that the platforms would
also help stop erosion of the banks and the land owned by the residents. Mayor Russo also
explained that the City was attempting to solve a problem in a cost effective manner and be able
to maintain the canals in the future.
A resident suggested that the City develop a filtration system from the golf courses and collect in
one area for the City to remove silt from the canals. Mayor Russo pointed out that the right -of-
way was set aside to solve these types of issues and asked that the residents keep in mind that
this area was not private property. Staff performing canal maintenance need to access the City
property in an attempt to avoid flooding. It was felt that standards and a simple canal
maintenance plan, along with a letter to affected residents be used in future canal projects.
Mayor Russo asked for a report regarding the cost effectiveness of the work being done now
compared to other solutions for canal maintenance.
Council and staff toured the Merrill Canal to view an existing platform to see how it would look
once the process is completed. Mayor Russo stated City Council will review on the City of
Wellington drainage practices at the meeting on Thursday evening.
Mayor Russo invited all concerned residents to attend the special Workshop Meeting on 8/23/99,
at which time Council will discuss the canal maintenance issue.
The tour of the canal ended at approximately 10:15 a.m.
ATTE T:
• A . KOSIER, CMC, CITY CLERK
COUNCILMAN DAVID CLARK
zc-
COUN MAN CARL SABATELLO