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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 7-A_3/5/1998 • Vrt4re • . VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA • , �� , Post Office Box 3273 • 357 Tequesta Drive Tequesta, Florida 33469-0273 • (561) 575-6200 qt __ ter Fax: (561)575-6203 Oq coU VILLAGE OF TEQUESTA REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES FEBRUARY 18, 1998 • • I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The Tequesta Redevelopment Committee held a regularly scheduled meeting at the Village Hall, 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Wednesday, February 18, 1998. The. • meeting was called to order at 9 :03 A.M. by Chairman Carl Hansen. A roll .call was taken by Betty Laur, the Recording. Secretary. In attendance were: Chairman Carl C. Hansen, Co-Chair Ron T. Mackail, and Co-Chair Joseph Capretta. Also in attendance were: Village Clerk Joann Manganiello and Department Heads. Village Manager Thomas G. Bradford arrived at 9:15 A.M. • II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA ' Co-Chair Capretta requested addition of discussion: regarding if, when and where a new. Village Hall would be built. Co-Chair Mackail made, a motion to accept the agenda as amended. Co-Chair Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: . Carl C. Hansen - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Nackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the agenda was accepted as amended. Recycled Paper 4 ' REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 2 III. COM+MUNICATIONS FROM CITIZENS There were no communications from citizens. IV. REVIEW OF PROPOSED TEQDESTA PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITIES Village Clerk Manganiello explained that Vice Mayor Hansen had felt it would be a good idea to review the public safety facilities master plan with the intent of reducing space and costs. M. Manganiello pointed out that it was the consensus of staff that the most important space need at present was to provide permanent living quarters for the firefighters; and suggested that space could be reduced by allowing Fire Rescue Administration and the Department of Community Development to remain in the annex building as is, keeping Village Council chambers and the Police facilities intact, with Village Administration, Finance, and Water Department Administration to remain in their presently leased facilities for another two years. Therefore, there was really no pressure to proceed with any other portion of the facilities at present, but the master plan design could continue to be developed. Chair Hansen explained that he had in mind possibly constructing a new building strictly for the Police Department and renovating the present Village Hall, and bringing. Village Administration back into the Village Hall. Chair Hansen noted that renovations should include correction of code violations, closets in the Village Council chambers for storage of audio-visual equipment, face lifting, and interior decoration. Chair Hansen suggested the Community Development Department could continue to occupy the annex building. . Chair Hansen envisioned that this plan would save money and be easier to sell to the taxpayers, and expressed reservations regarding dividing the c REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 3 present Council chambers into offices. Mr. Hansen invited comments from the other Committeemembers regarding this idea, and explained that if the original plan was preferred, at least this option would have been considered. Co-Chair Mackail commented that the missing part of the entire equation was Tequesta Plaza, which he felt the Village should make every effort to acquire and which offered unlimited uses for the Village. Co-Chair Mackail commented that the Tequesta Plaza location was the gateway to the Village and the Village should determine whether it should be a part of the overall plan. Co-Chair Mackail stated that he wanted to be sure the Village had exhausted every opportunity to give the Village the best dollar value, the plaza could be used for a variety of uses, and the Village should put a contract on the table and find out if that opportunity was available before making a decision. Co-Chair Mackail commented on past discussions regarding Lighthouse Gallery and others who might want to locate in Tequesta Plaza. Co-Chair Mackail expressed his feeling that Chair Hansen's suggestion did not include the whole picture without Tequesta Plaza. Village Manager Bradford arrived at this point in the meeting at 9:15 A.M. Chair Hansen commented that Co-Chair Mackail had made a motion at a previous Redevelopment Committee meeting that by the Spring of 1998 the Village should have made a decision whether to have the new Village Hall at Tequesta Plaza or on the present site, and that time was now gone. Co-Chair Mackail indicated it was his opinion that the situation at Tequesta Plaza should have an effect on this meeting; and he was willing to allow the Village Manager to proceed by putting an offer on the table to purchase Tequesta Plaza, Since he felt that location would have beneficial uses for the Village. Chair Hansen stated he would like to move ahead regardless of Tequesta Plaza with at least what had ) REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 4 been planned for Fire Rescue, but also exercise the option to move ahead with Tequesta Plaza. Co-Chair Mackail stated that the Village Manager must be given authority to move ahead. Co-Chair Capretta commented regarding the issue of the Village Hall that the present building seemed to make a good Village Hall and suggested that facilities be completed and all other Village Departments be kept as is for a year or two as an interim plan; and within that time something would happen with Tequesta Plaza and the Village could make a decision regarding that site. Co-Chair Capretta suggested as a fall-back position building a stand-alone building next door on Village property, which could be only 2000 square feet with bathrooms, to be used for meetings. Co-Chair Capretta suggested as another fall-back position the building on Seabrook Road. Co-Chair Capretta commented that the Village could proceed by going ahead with the .fire facility, and going ahead with renovation for the Police Department but not changing the Village Council chambers. Co-Chair Capretta stated he had not seen a good plan. for use of the building at Tequesta Plaza and Lighthouse Gallery had not proven that they have the ability to raise money, had not found a sponsor, and he did not think they could be depended upon to take space in Tequesta Plaza. Co-Chair Capretta expressed his opinion that a discussion on Tequesta Plaza was needed with the full Village council, and that he believed the Councilmembers felt the present plan was a little expensive and had a little more space than was needed. Co-Chair Capretta suggested shrinking the present plan, building the - fire facility, and in the meantime developing a strategy for Tequesta Plaza. If no solution was found then a Village Hall could be built next door on the Village property. Chair Hansen commented that it was not his impression that Lighthouse Gallery was not willing to join the Village at Tequesta Plaza, but that the Lighthouse Gallery Treasurer had said their acquiring more space on Seabrook Road had nothing to do with their desire REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 5 to move from their present location. Chair Hansen commented this was incentive for the Village to go ahead with Co-Chair Mackail' s plan. Chair Hansen stated that the other uncertainty was what was going to happen regarding possible sale of the Water Department. Chair Hansen stated he agreed with Co-Chair Capretta at this time to proceed with the fire facility regardless of Tequesta Plaza, Village Hall, etc. Chair Hansen stated that in ten years annexation should be complete so that the Village population would be 6, 000- 7, 000, and additional demands on fire and police at that point would be limited. Village Manager Bradford verified that the full Village Council would need to instruct him regarding proceeding with Tequesta Plaza. Co-Chair Capretta expressed concern with purchasing a shopping center, since he had friends who had done so and were now broke. Co-Chair Capretta stated that a major tenant with a long-term lease was needed, and that he would go along with making an offer on Tequesta Plaza if he was shown a 20-year lease from Lighthouse Gallery or the hospital for a large portion of the building, because that would make it economically viable. Co-Chair Mackail commented no developer would purchase Tequesta Plaza for more than the value of the land, and the worst thing Mr. Felhaber could do would be to say, "no" to an offer from the Village. Co-Chair Capretta commented that the Village could tear down the building and sell the property to a developer or ask Lighthouse Gallery for a letter of intent and if they accepted, also locate the Village Hall there, which would assure others would come. Chair Hansen suggested that Co-Chair Mackail talk to Lighthouse Gallery to determine their interest. Co-Chair Mackail stated at a Lighthouse Gallery Board meeting two years ago the gallery committed; that the Tequesta Plaza property had value to the Village, and that the Village should not look at the property for more than its appraised value. Co-Chair Capretta expressed his opinion that p REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 6 Lighthouse Gallery would not make a commitment, and recommended implementing Ordinance 377 and start daily fines, which might build up enough to purchase the building. Taking the building under eminent domain was discussed. Village Manager Bradford advised that fair market value must be paid plus all of Mr. Feihaber' s costs. Co-Chair Capretta suggested the only urgency was for the Fire Department, and that staff shrink the present plan to reduce cost and space, go ahead with renovation of the Police Department, and find a temporary meeting place. During ensuing discussion of purchasing Tequesta Plaza, Village Manager Bradford advised that the Village must have a valid public purpose for doing so, which might be as a potential future Village Hall site, or as a potential site to implement recreational/cultural components of the Comprehensive Plan. Village Manager Bradford explained that after purchase for a specific purpose, the purpose could be changed if, for example, it was determined that it would be more conducive to place the Village Hall next door. Also, if the purpose was only for development purposes, then consideration should be given whether to establish a CRA for development only and not for taxing. Co-Chair Capretta commented that by the time a reduced plan was finished, the Village would know the outcome of the current offer to purchase Tequesta Plaza, whether Seacoast was going to purchase the Water Department, and could find out whether Lighthouse Gallery would make a commitment, and then go ahead. Co-Chair Capretta commented the public had shown very little interest in the public safety facility, to which Village Manager Bradford responded they were interested in their tax bill. Discussion ensued regarding providing authorization to Village Manager Bradford to make an offer on Tequesta Plaza. Village Manager Bradford commented he could go ahead and make an offer but would need the Village Council to accept REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 7 it. Co-Chair Mackail made a motion to recommend to the full Village Council that the Village Manager be authorized to secure a contract in conjunction with viable tenants such as the hospital or Lighthouse Gallery, and other organizations that might have an interest in that location, and bring it back to the Village Council for approval. Co-Chair Capretta seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Joseph N. Capretta - for Ron T. Mackail - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. Co-Chair Capretta stated the second item was to authorize Village Manager Bradford to meet with Gee & Jenson, Police Chief Allison, and Fire Chief Weinand to review the original plan for Fire Rescue to reduce space and reduce costs, with the plan for the Police Department to remain as is. Village Manager Bradford clarified that Architect Lisa Lemanowicz's assignment should be considered the master plan for the construction of Public Safety facilities, to be implemented incrementicly. Village Clerk Manganiello advised that the Fire Department plan had already been revised to add living quarters and bay renovations, for which preliminary costs were $986, 014. Architect Lisa Lemanowicz requested new direction regarding what should be done to reduce costs, explaining that something must be given up in order to realize any cost reduction, such as reducing the level of hurricane hardening. Co-Chair Mackail stated the Village should be building to meet future needs and he could not see cutting space and therefore cost since resources were already. cross-used by both Fire and Police. Chair Hansen commented he had no objection to Plan W. Village Manager Bradford pointed out that plan "A" was contrary to the REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 8 Committee' s discussions, since that plan did not keep Community Development in the annex building, but they could use plan "G". Village Clerk Manganiello commented that if the annex building •was not touched that would be a cost savings, so that concentration could be on renovation of the bays and the firefighters' living quarters. Co-Chair Mackail stated he was confused by so many plans and would like to see a plan that was best for the Village which showed infrastructure and cost breakdown, from which he could make a decision. The Village Clerk commented that the public safety complex project had already been approved by the Village Council, and 30% design had been completed; before Gee & Jenson was given authority to move forward with the additional 60%, Mr. Hansen had felt it might be a good idea to look at it again, which was the purpose of today' s meeting, but nothing had to be changed. Village Manager Bradford explained that would not work because the Committee had said they liked the flexibility of not deciding what to do about Village Hall at this time, and if there was no Village Hall, the Department of Community Development would stay where it is. After further discussion, Village Manager Bradford recommended that a way be found to get the living quarters for the firefighters upgraded and if that meant the Department of Community Development must stay where it is, so be it. When the day came that Community Development could move out into a Village Hall, then space would be freed for other things. Co-Chair Capretta commented that there were too many factors to consider to reduce space and if the present plan was defendable then the Village "could proceed to design the other 60%. Village Manager Bradford explained that the current plan which was at 30% did not include Community Development, since it was intended to go into the Village Hall. Since a decision on the Village Hall was now delayed, a revised plan to include Community Development needed to be REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 9 done. Discussion ensued. It was concluded that the Community Development Department did not need to be in physical proximity with Fire and Police, even though it was considered a function of Public Safety. Chair Hansen commented he felt giving the entire annex building to the Fire Department and giving the whole existing Village Hall to the Police Department might not be defensible, and he did not understand the Village Manager's comments that Plan "A" could not be used. Village Manager Bradford responded that because the Committee had made a decision not to do anything in regard to a Village Hall that meant the Department of Community Development must stay in their present location until a new facility was built, unless that department rented space. Co-Chair Mackail left at this point in the meeting at 10:22 A.M. Discussion continued regarding the location for the Community Development Department. Chair Hansen stated he would like to proceed with Plan "A" if space could be taken ' from the Fire Department for the Department of Community Development. Co-Chair .Capretta questioned whether there was enough room in the present Village Hall building for the Police Department and the Community Development Department, to which Village Manager .Bradford responded there was room if the Police Department did not get things they had asked for. Architect Lemanowicz explained that she did not foresee being able to accommodate Chair Hansen's suggestion of using Plan "A" since some essential areas would have to be built as new construction which would be more expensive, and she did not really believe the Community Development Department could fit into that plan. Village Manager Bradford questioned whether Plan "G" could be used until the Community Development Department could be moved out and then their space converted to those essential areas. Architect Lemanowicz responded that was a totally different configuration for the annex building than the one proposed 0 REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 10 and when the Village Hall was built it would have to be renovated a second time. Architect Lemanowicz recommended doing the whole complex in the back at once because it would be cheaper than bringing the contractor back more than once, and explained the problems with trying to work close to an existing building. Architect Lemanowicz commented that it was not fair to either the Department of Community Development or the Fire Department to confine them with no room to grow when they already need space, and she did not • believe both departments should be left there long-term. Leaving them there would also mean that ADA improvements would have to be done to the annex building. In response to Chair Hansen, the Village Clerk explained the cost of Fire Rescue as it is was $1,391, 803 if constructed separately, i.e. , not in conjunction with the existing Village Hall renovation. Fire Chief Weinand commented that the number of bunks could be cut from 8 to 6 to reduce the size of the dormitory room. Village Clerk Manganiello explained the cost estimate was $900, 000 to build Plan "G, which woul d include both Community Development and Ftre Rescue in the annex; or $1 .3 million to build Plan "A , which woul d require Community Development to rent space until they could go to the Village Hall. During discussion of whether to have design work on the existing building stopped and only proceeding with design for the Fire Department, Architect Lemanowicz explained that the drawings were done as a package and some services in the back were dependent on dispatch, and separating drawings would increase cost. Village Manager Bradford recommending separating the project to make it more palatable to the taxpayers and in order to move forward and absorbing the costs over time. Further discussion ensued. Co-Chair Capretta made a motion to recommend to the Village Council to instruct Gee & Jenson to proceed with separating the two projects with the idea of going ahead with project "A" as it stands. Chair Hansen seconded the motion. Village Manager Bradford clarified that the Committee desired to REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 11 hold renovations to the Police Department in abeyance, proceed with the Fire Rescue plan, and proceed to allow Community Development to rent as planned which will allow the Village Council chambers to continue be used as is until such time as a decision is made regarding what to do regarding the Village Hall and the Police Department. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Joseph N. Capretta - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted. V. ANY OTHER MATTERS Co-Chair Capretta stated that his request for discussion regarding the Village Hall had been covered. VI. ADJOURNMENT Co-Chair Capretta made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Chair Hansen seconded the motion. The vote on the motion was: Carl C. Hansen - for Joseph N. Capretta - for The motion was therefore passed and adopted and the meeting was adjourned at 10:57 A.M. Respectfully submitted, AZt-4.41. Betty Laur Recording Secretary t a REDEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES February 18, 1998 PAGE 12 ATTEST: Joann Manganiello Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: