HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 080492CITY COUNCIL
WORKSHOP MEETING
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
AUGUST 4, 1992
The Workshop Meeting of the City Council of the City of Palm
Beach Gardens, Florida, was called to order by Mayor Martino at
8:15 P.M., in the Assembly Room of the Municipal Complex, 10500
North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
ATTENDANCE: Present at the meeting were: Mayor Martino, Vice Mayor Russo,
Councilwoman Monroe, and Councilman Kiselewski. City Staff
members present were: Rich Walton, Planning and Zoning Director;
Kim Glas, Planner; and Ed Mitchell, Assistant City Manager.
Consultants present were Kevin L. Erwin, Craig Smith, and Bill
Cox with Kevin L. Erwin Consulting Ecologist, Inc.; Rebecca S.
Serra with Howard L. Searcy Engineers; and Jan Browning with
Lindahl- Browning Engineers.
CLUP
=DMENT: Mayor Martino stated the purpose of this meeting was to allow
staff to bring Council up to date regarding the Comprehensive
Land Use Amendment #91 -2 which is the 10, 217 acre parcel located
in the northwest section of the city encompassing the Loxahatchee
Slough area. The Mayor then asked Rich Walton, Planning and
Zoning Director, to give an overview of past events.
RICH WALTON: Mr. Walton recalled that the Department of Community Affair's
(DCA) objections "centered on the suitability of the site to
sustain the proposed development, the protection of natural
�- resources, urban sprawl, and the ability to provide adequate
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - AUGUST 4, 1992 Page 2
infrastructure to support the university village." He stated
that prior to transmitting the land use map showing the
university area to DCA, City staff met with the following local
agencies: Jupiter, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach County,
Department of Resource Management, Airport Department, Planning
and Zoning Departments, Engineering Departments, MPO, Solid Waste
Authority, Seacoast Utilities, Department of Environmental
Resources, South Florida Water Management District, Northern Palm
Beach Control District, Florida Department of Transportation,
and the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. He recalled
that the TCRPC had concerns with the university being located
next to the slough and further explained that new data was
collected to create a more suitable plan. Mr. Walton pointed
out the only action required by law after receiving the ORC
report is to address the objections in writing and then hold a
public hearing prior to adoption. He emphasized it had not been
required to conduct this planning effort.
Mr. Walton displayed a map which showed the location of the
10,000 -acre site and then introduced Mr. Kevin L. Erwin,
Consulting Ecologist, to address the Council.
K. L. ERWIN: Mr. Erwin gave a summary of his company's experience and
qualifications and stated the extensive surveys they conducted
on behalf of the City should result in the City knowing which
areas need to be protected, how to protect them, and which areas
had potential for development. He stated the goal of their work
scope was to look at the 11,000 -acre area to establish a data
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - AUGUST 4, 1992 Page 3
base for conservation, development, or both so that the City,
other agencies, and the general public could develop a plan based
on sound, scientific evidence. He explained a methodology was
developed which was as intensive as a DRI and which was reviewed
with the State agencies. The first part of his presentation
dealt with the methods used to collect the data. He further
commented the work performed pertained basically to upland and
wetland vegetation, habitat analysis, and wildlife utilization
on the property. Work was also conducted with the City's
engineers regarding surface water conditions on the site.
C. SMITH: Mr. Craig Smith, Vice President /Ecologist, with Kevin L. Erwin
Consulting Ecologist, Inc., displayed numerous maps, graphs, and
charts representing an intensive mapping effort of the 11,000-
acre study area. He explained they had divided the area into
four separate "sub- parcels " - -the core area (3200 acres) , the
Loxahatchee Slough Preserve (approximately 5200 acres) , the
northwest sub - parcel (approximately 1000 acres), and the east
sub - parcels (slightly less than 1000 acres) . Mr. Smith then gave
a detailed explanation of how data was collected on the ground
as well as from a helicopter which resulted in the identification
of 42 distinct vegetation habitats including uplands (12),
transitional habitats (12), and wetlands (18). He stated the
wetlands would most likely come under the jurisdiction of the
Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management
District and would possibly be subject to DER's jurisdiction.
In addition, Mr. Smith stated the 42 habitats were also grouped
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - AUGUST 4, 1992 Page 4
according to native and non - native habitats, and he gave a visual
presentation showing the various habitats and commented
extensively on the percentages of uplands, wetlands, and
transitional habitats found in each area. Further, he stated
they discovered most of the non - native upland habitats found
within the 11,000 acres are located in the core area where they
had also seen evidence of trespassing by hunters and off -road
vehicles.
BILL COX: Mr. Bill Cox of Kevin L. Erwin Consulting Ecologist, Inc., gave
a visual presentation concerning the various wildlife found in
the core area, the northwest sub - parcel, the eastern sub -
parcels, and the northeast corner and periphery of the
Loxahatchee Slough preserve. Mr. Cox noted as follows: Some
of the wildlife observed included fox squirrel, wood stork, blue
heron, snowy egret, tri- colored heron, and the American
alligator, with the most abundant species being the sandhill
crane. The only endangered species observed was the wood stork
which did not appear to be active on the site but simply resting
in a cypress tree. They had expected to find 303 different
species of life in the area; however, only 95 different species
or 31% were observed. The list of species expected but not seen
included the bald eagle, the Florida panther, and the red -
cockaded woodpecker. He also noted all the wetlands are heavily
drained by canals. Mr. Cox stated an opportunity for enhancement
to this area is possible by the restoration of the wetlands.
-..-R. S. SERRA: Ms. Rebecca Serra, Engineer with Howard L. Searcy Consulting
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - AUGUST 4, 1992 Page 5
Engineers, gave a presentation concerning the pre- existing and
existing drainage of the subject area as it relates to the C-
18 canal. She recounted how the building of the Beeline Highway,
PGA Boulevard, and other development had blocked the drainage
to the slough resulting in the conditions which exist today.
K. L. ERWIN: Using visual aids, Mr. Erwin stated there are many opportunities
for restoration and wildlife management in the area; however,
it would be particularly difficult and expensive to do so because
of water limitations. Mr. Erwin had additional comments as
follow: Development should focus on the core area, and the other
areas should be set aside for conservation. He stated their
intent is to present a process to plan for the conservation of
the area by looking at the kinds of habitats available and the
quality of the wetlands while avoiding the isolation of
significant areas. He showed how the wetlands in the core area
are interconnected with other native upland habitats throughout
the site which means the wildlife will have mobility throughout
the system in order to feed and breed. Mr. Erwin said
eliminating the canals, ditches, and dikes in the area would
produce cost- effective restoration of the site and also provide
for potential development with the least amount of impact on the
environment and the natural systems. He again expressed his
surprise at the lack of certain wildlife in the area apparently
as a result of hunters. Additionally, he pointed out the
following: (1) golf cart paths and highways can double as water
-- management structures; (2) this concept is a financial commitment
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - AUGUST 4, 1992 Page 6
to undertake the restoration and management of the land requiring
building, improving, and managing water control structures in
order to eliminate human intervention in certain prescribed
areas; and (3) regulatory agencies would monitor any development
in the area.
Mayor Martino indicated he understood the proposal to be a
different approach to land planning and growth management while
providing for the possible repair of the environment. He then
asked Mr. Erwin if a management plan such as the one proposed
would improve, renourish, and somewhat restore the slough area.
Mr. Erwin responded he could "guarantee" it.
In response to comments and questions from Vice Mayor Russo,
Mr. Erwin stated they are attempting to give City Council and
staff direction as to where development, if properly planned,
could possibly occur thereby resulting in much needed restoration
of the area.
R. WALTON: Mr. Rich Walton distributed and discussed with Council a table
and draft map showing an analysis of maximum potential
density/ intensity of development under proposed land uses dated
June 24, 1992. Mr. Walton then asked Ms. Serra to continue with
a discussion of a conceptual drainage plan for the core area.
K. L. ERWIN: In response to a comment from Mayor Martino concerning golf
course pesticides, Mr. Erwin stated golf courses in Florida today
are rigorously scrutinized by different agencies with regard to
their design, water management, and pesticides in order to avoid
pollution of surrounding environmental areas.
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - AUGUST 4, 1992 Page 7
KAHART PINDER: Mr. Pinder, Transportation Planner with David Plummer and
Associates, addressed the Council regarding the Department of
Community Affairs' request for more data. He stated they have
since developed a complete draft traffic report and have met with
all the local agencies, FDOT, County MPO, Traffic Engineering
Division, and representatives from DCA in Tallahassee. He stated
they also looked at consistencies with local plans. Mr. Pinder
then gave an overview of their procedures and general findings
and explained they looked at both the existing land uses as well
as the impact of the proposed land uses on the roadways. One
scenario indicated it would be necessary to widen PGA Boulevard
from the Turnpike to Military Trail and North Lake Boulevard from
Ryder Cup to Military Trail. Responding to questions from
Mayor Martino, Mr. Pinder stated they had met on several
occasions with County staff to explain the proposed plan in
greater detail. Mr. Pinder also responded to questions from
Council concerning Jog Road, Ryder Cup Boulevard, and State Road
7. In response to a question from Councilman Kiselewski, Mr.
Pinder stated they had not included Tri Rail or any type of mass
transit service in their analysis.
J. BROWNING: Mr. Jan Browning addressed the Council and answered questions
concerning DCA's comments regarding the water supply available
to seacoast Utilities and the potential impact for wellfield
"drawdowns" on the adjacent wetlands. He stated that the Garrity
and Miller report projected no new sources of water such as
reverse osmosis plants would be needed at this time.
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - AUGUST 4, 1992 Page 8
COUNCILMAN
Councilman Kiselewski questioned the consultants' statements that
no gopher tortoises were found on the entire site and that the
proposed development would not degrade the surrounding property
or affect water levels in surrounding areas. The consultants
responded to these comments by again stating there are many
opportunities for restoration and compensation by raising the
water levels especially in the C -18 canal area, the slough area,
as well as the areas to the east and northwest area.
-- Additional discussion among Council Members, staff, and
consultants covered the topics of a proposed reservoir, the
location of the proposed golf courses, and traffic impacts.
Vice Mayor Russo complimented the consultants on their
presentation and stated they had done an excellent job, but he
did not feel comfortable with the traffic aspects proposed for
the area and referred specifically to Jog Road. Mr. Walton
responded that traffic engineers from the surrounding
governmental agencies had met, including the County engineering
staff, which were supportive of moving forward with finalizing
the plan for State Road 7. Vice Mayor Russo felt Jog Road should
be removed from the calculations to see what the results would
be, and Mayor Martino said he believed this had already been done
by the MPO.
In response to comments from Councilman Kiselewski, Mr. Erwin
summarized by stating the area is very large and complex,
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - AUGUST 4, 1992 Page 9
covering over 11,000 acres, but it is manageable; and there are
opportunities available "off site" for natural habitat
interconnections.
Mr. Walton asked council for direction on how to proceed and
stated a public hearing is all that is required. Following
discussion, Council decided to attempt to set a date for the
Public Input meeting at the next regular Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 11:20
p.m.
CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP MEETING - AUGUST 4, 1992
ADDVf -WAT.•
�✓L {.. &ems,..
Mayor M rt�no
VAAw1M1<6'r Russo
Jackie Holloman
Administrative Secretary
Page 10
Counci�an Kiselewski
Councilwoman Monroe