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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes Council 091671r REGULAR MEETING CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS SEPT. 16, 1971 The Regular Meeting of the City Council was called to order by Mayor DeLonga u at 8:00 P.M. The meeting was held in the Assembly Room at 10500 N. Military Trail and was opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. ROLL CALL Roll was called by the City Clerk and present were: Councilman James, Councilman Orr, Councilman Kiedis, Vice Mayor Wiley and Mayor DeLonga. City Manager, Mr. Robert Carlson and Attorney Brant attended. OPEN BIDS Sealed bids for lighting fixtures for the recreation rooms in the City Complex LIGHTING FIXTURES were opened by City Manager, Robert Carlson. Bids were: Graybar Electric Co.$1176.76 General Electric $1137.24 Allied Electric Supply Co., Inc. $1089.40 Council agreed that Mr. Carlson and Mr. Devine evaluate the bids. Motion by Councilman James seconded by Councilman Kiedis authorizing Mr. Carlson to award the bid to the lowest bidder who meets the specifications and to proceed with the installation of the fixtures. Vote 5 ayes and 0 nays. ,.--, MINUTES Minutes of the Regular meeting of Sept. 2, 1971 were approved un?nimously as modified on a motion by Vice Mayor Wiley seconded by Councilman Kiedis. CENTRAL FIRE Vice Mayor Wiley reported on the preliminary estimated proposal of the STATION REPORT Central Fire Station as prepared by the Committee and the Architects Schwab and Twitty. Vice Mayor Wiley: "The Palm Beach Gardens Fire Station Steering Committee received from Schwab and Twitty a preliminary cost total of $189,373. This includes the complete building Phase 1 and 2. The Committee reviewed their costs and have submitted to you facets one and two, which are estimates of how we feel, how we can stay within the initial contract price of $125,000 and areas where we can make cost reduction; also listing the equipment cost of those items which are not included in the basic price, so that we can know what the total is going to cost us. Another factor that came into consideration today was the receipt of the appraisal of the parcel of land that we had anticipated placing the building on. RCA who we are negotiating to buy the land from appraised at $27,500 for approximately 1.1 acres. The City engaged Page 2 \ an appraiser and his appraisal was $21,916. I have not had time to discuss this with the steering Committee and I have not had time to discuss this with the architect. I do feel personally that the cost of the land is rather high and I had hoped that since we had considered placing the Fire Station on land that we were going to purchase from RCA primarily for additional fire protection that we could afford to them that they would consider perhaps a much lower price or an outright grant of land to the City. As it stands right now it appears that they are going to recommend to the Board of Directors the appraised value of land. With this in mind I submit to you the memo that we have with the cost. The Committee feels that the Fire Station that is shown on the plans here is basically the building in some form or other that we need. It shows the approximate square feet necessary to function to protect the City. However perhaps the location of the station we have considered is inappropriate and we are going to get together with our architect and investigate other parcels of City owned land to see if we can get the building on either the Municipal �,. Complex site or the Public Works site. What I would like the Council to consider are: the basic plans, 3 phases and the total price involved as whether we can reapportion the money for vehicles and put that money into completing phase II. My feeling is that if we complete Phase I1, if needed , not right now but perhaps 2 or 3 years from now. It is going to be much cheaper we feel to build the building now and buy the equipment later, which is not needed now but will be 2 or 3 years from now. I really cant give you, because of the land developments today, a good firm recommendation on the procedure of the plans as it is, although I would ask you to either give concurrence or other recommendation." Vice Mayor Wiley continued and explained the various phases of the Fire Station and also presented the add bid options. Mayor DeLonga: "In response to your presentation, I think that based on the appraised value to the property that we received that the City should indeed consider locating the Fire Station either at our Public Works site or perhaps somewhere on the 20 acres that we are in the process of acquiring. Before 9/16/71 Page 3 we approve the reapportionment of the funds from the vehicles to the completion of the building we ought to discuss this land acquisition. I'd like to know what the feelings of the members of the Council are. What we really need is a plan of the existing Public Works area to determine just how well this building would fit in on that property and whether it really would be functional. I think at this time the Committee is seeking the concurrence of the Council that they study these alternate sites and also the approval for diversion of some of the equipment funds to the building fund." Council was asked if there was any objection and there was none and Mayor DeLonga stated: "You have the Council's approval to continue to pursue the construction of the building with the intent to stay within the funds allocated for the building and equipment and to study the feasibility of these other sites. Vice Mayor Wiley repeated the authorization: "The Steering Committee is directed by the Council to investigate the two optional City sites for the possible placement of this building. We are to stay within the limits of the bond issue and we can reallocate the funds as we see our best interest of the Fire Station and that we should build as much building as possible, namely, building Phase II at the same time as Phase I." Mayor DeLonga asked that the Committee report their recommendations to the Council. STATUS OF FUNDS Mr. Carlson reported on the status of the participating funds from BUD and FROM HUD stated that a letter of consent from the Regional Office in Atlanta was in the mail. The letter will be sufficient authorization to initiate what steps are necessary to acquire the land without jeopardizing the City's eligibility for participating Federal funds. A closing is scheduled for 11 :00 A. M. at the First American Bank on Friday, September 17, 1971, which is the sellers deadline. RESOLUTIONS Resolution #33-- Authorizing the City to borrow $154,500.00 for the purchase of land adjacent to City Complex site, was read by the City Clerk and motion by Councilman Orr seconded by Councilman Wiley to adopt; unanimously approved. 9/16/71 Page 4 Resolution #34- Authority to purchase 10 acres adjacent to the City Complex site was read by the City Clerk and unanimously approved by the Council on the documents. a motion by Councilman James seconded by Councilman Orr. PROCLAMATIONS Proclamation "Light the Night" Day was read by Mayor DeLonga. This resolution was presented to the Realtors who put on a ceremony as a kick -off for the "Light the Night" Day and which was held in the lobby of the City Complex prior to the Council meeting. Proclamation declaring September 17 -23 as Constitution Week, was read by Mayor DeLonga. PETITIONS AMID COMMUNICATIONS YMCA REQUEST A request from )MCA to land a helicopter on their property for October 16, 1971 was unanimously approved by the City Council. Mr. Carlson will notify the Police Department and inform the YMCA their request was approved. PGA AD FOR The request of the PGA National Golf Club for the City to advertise in the WORLD CUP Official Program of the 19th World Cup was not pursued as no funds had been ~ ' appropriated in the 1970 -71 Budget. The City Council did express a desire to assist in Police and Fire control,and in other ways if requested by PGA. BEAUTIFICATION The Beautification and Environmental Committee requested the City expedite LETTERS review of the Bllboard and Sign ordinance. Council will place this on the agenda as soon as the discussions of the 1971 -72 Budget are completed. The request from the Beautification and Environmental Committee for allocation of funds for their budget was discussed and Council agreed the Committee should first submit a figure for the Councills approval. PLANNING AND Council approved the request of the Planning and Zoning Commission to schedule ZONING BOARD COMMUNICATIONS their meetings for the second Wednesday of each month. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that Council proceed with signing of the program for receiving matching funds from the Federal Govern- ment on arterial streets through Municipalities. Mayor DeLonga stated the City will contact the representative and inform them the Council approves the documents. 9/16/71 Page 5 Information regarding the proposed widening of Lighthouse drive, which was previously referred to Howard Searcy will be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission for their information. PTA TO CLERKS A letter from the Palm Beach Gardens PTA in appreciation of the City Clerk and Deputy City Clerk coming to their meeting to register residents to vote was read by Mayor DeLotiga. RECEIPT OF A letter from Don Reed, Florida House of Representatives, minority Leader, ItSU=ON 25 acknowledging receipt of Resolution #25, concerning busing of school children was read by Mayor DeLouga. RECREATION ADV. The recommendation froth the Recreation Advisory Board on the location of the BD. RE SMii,LE BOARD COURTS shuffle board courts was discussed. Council requested the City Manager acquire plans and specifications and advertise for bids. Council will determine where the Courts will be located and agreed to meet Saturday morning September 18, 1971 to choose the site. Cost estimates for rest rooms will also be obtained. PBG WOMANS A letter from the Palm Beach Gardens Woman4•s Club was -read by Mayor DeLonga. CLUB Council was confused at the letter and felt there was a lack of communications and stated that if the Club had contacted either Mr. Carlson or Mr. Dukes these questions could have all been answered. Council directed Mr. Carlson to answer the letter and furnish the information requested. Vice Mayor Wiley volunteered to represent the Council at a meeting of the Womants Club. Councilman James offered to accompany Vice Mayor Wiley. Mayor DeLonga stated the Council welcomes the participation of all clubs in the Community. RENEW COUNTY Mayor DeLonga read a letter from J. C. Hancock regarding forming a new BOUNDARY County for the north area municipalities. ADULT Mr. Dukes presented programs of the Palm Beach County School Board regarding EDUCATION an Adult Education Program. They requested the use of the recreation rooms for classes. Council invited the leaders of the group to attend a workshop for discussion. SENATE HILL Councilman James brought up a Florida Senate Bill that was being filed allowing the lowering of the age for children to quit school. Council instructed 9/16/71 Page 6 Attorney Brant to check into this and prepare a resolution to express Council's disapproval. Mr. Brant will investigate and secure a copy of the bill. PUBLIC SERVICE Attorney Brant was directed to write a letter to the Public Service Commission COMMISSION for results of the Hearing of last June and to inquire when their findings and recommendations will be known. GERALD DARP A letter from Gerald Dake requesting that he be considered for consultant for beautification of the City was read by Mayor DeLonga as a matter of record. ]RECOMMENDATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS BY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MORATORIUM Vice Mayor Wiley stated he had conferred with Attorney Brant regarding giving relief to the individuals in the City who own lots and are caught in the midst of the moratorium. He suggested: "That we pressure the Palm Beach County Health Department if necessary, or seek their cooperation, and at least make a partial lifting of the moratorium for those persons, particularly the individual property owners of record at the time of the moratorium. Mr. MacArthur took his land off the market 2 months prior to the moratorium and also the large developments, condominiums and this sort of thing have all been allowed to be built. I move that the City Attorney be authorized to follow up on this and prepare the necessary Ordinance if he can get the concurrence of the Health Department to give those affected some relief." Mayor DeLonga stated: "The Health Department has not made any notable progress in trying to gain relief for the City in following their recommendations and I think we should go back to the Health Department, starting with the local officials,and ask them again to examine their recommendations that were made to the City Council approximately one year ago to see if they still feel that the health and welfare of the citizens is in danger due to the operation of the sewage treatment plant, and if not I think that the Council should take \---, some very affirmative action in lifting the moratorium. This situation has been going on long enough and the Health Department has certainly let the City down and also the property owners. If we can't have our day in court, we should be looking for some way to give relief." 16T7_1 Page 7 �. Council agreed the City is long over due in receiving some kind of action. Attorney Brant stated he has kept in contact with the legal department of the Public Service Commission. Mayor DeLonga proposed that both the Health u Department and the Public Service Commission be asked to carry out their assigned duties. Mr. Carlson reported that he had been in contact with Mr. Lukin of the Health Department and had asked him what would be the position of their department if the Council decided to lift the moratorium .Mr. Lukin stated to Mr. Carlson that by their own admission the plant at this time is really not at capacity but realized that at this time of year it is off- season and that the load would be greater in- season, and that their position would not change, that they still would maintain their position of not approving any certificates of occupancy. Mr. Lukin informed Mr. Carlson that he and Mr. Baker of Jacksonville would gladly meet with the Council if they so desired. Attorney Brant recommended that Mr. Lukin request someone from the legal engineering staff of the Public Service Commission be at the meeting as well. Council agreed to have Mr. Carlson arrange a meeting. Mayor DeLonga requested a letter be written to the top man in the agency and inform him of the plight and ask him to get the matter in action. Mayor DeLonga will write to the Governor. Vice Mayor Wiley suggested the Air and Water Pollution Board be advised of the situation and be included in the communications. STORAGE ROOM Mr. Comstock asked Council to consider assisting the Youth Athletic Association BALL FIELD in enclosing the opening on the storage room at the ball field as there were numerous times someone had entered the room. Mayor DeLonga indicated Council's willingness to go along with this. Mr. Comstock stated the PBYAA would furnish the lumber. Mt. Carlson will coordinate details. BUDGET MEETING Council agreed to meet for Budget session on Monday, September 20, 1971 at 7:30 P.M. OURNMENT No further business and motion for adjournment made and seconded. Time for the record 11115 P.M. 9/16/71 Page 8 �.,✓ M4yor J es C. D �-'� � Co Y1m C aig am 1��, r �/ Vice Mayor Waller $. Wiley Co man hn "L. Orr el nn. �1��. i an John Kiedis Thelma Compton, City Clerk r