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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDocumentation_Regular_Tab 06A_04/28/1994 � � ��� � � E UESTA � ; �, , VILLAGE OF T Q ��, Post Office Box 3'_'73 • 357 Tequcsta Drivc r 'a�'fi t Tcyucsta. Flonda 33469-0273 •(407) 575-b200 , �—� o Fax:''(4(?7� 575-6203 �f � ♦ rN nl�N V I L L A t� E 0 F T E Q U E S T A R E D E V E L O P M E N T C O M M I T T E E M E E T Z N C� M I N U T E S A P R I L 6, 1 9 9 4 I. The Tequesta Redevelopment Committee held a scheduled meeting at the Village Hall at 357 Tequesta Drive, Tequesta, Florida, on Wednesday, April 6, 1994. The meeting was called to order at 9:00 A.M. by Chairman Ron T. Mackail. In attendance were: Chairman Ron T. Mackail; and Co-Chairmen Joseph Capretta, and Earl L. Collings. Village Staff present were: Village Manager, Thomas G. Bradford, and Village Clerk Joann Manganiello. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA The Agenda was approved as submitted. III. DISCUSSION ON THB STATUS OF THE FOLIAWING DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES: A) Tequesta Branch Librarp Project: - Chairman Mackail explained he had met with Palm Beach County Commissioner Raren Marcus to discuss Tequesta's Downtown Redevelopment Plans. At this meeting, Joseph Benjamin presented his proposal, with the main thrust that of showing the County the opportuaity presenting itself regardinq the Tequesta Branch Library. During this meeting, Tequesta was seeking from the County consideration for an extensioa of time regarding the Li.brary. Commissioner Marcus had no problem with the extension of time, (offering a six-month time extension), but reminded Tequesta that the issue must come up before the full County Commission. However, before appearing before the County Commission, it would be necessary for Tequesta to meet with the County Library staff . ,_ .•.; n...._ Redevelopmeat Coa��itt�e Mestinq Miautss April 6, 1994 Page 2 ------------------------------- Bida on the Library are presently acheduled to be opened on April 12. Village Manager Bradford stated that, now, the Village Council must determine whether they would like to side-track the Library from its original schedule and take on the riska that might be associated with such. Co-Chairman Collings felt that, the longer the delay, the more likely the chance of losing the Library and whatever residual monies may be available from the County. However, when comparing $.5 million with what is proposed by the Christopher Foundation, there is not a lot of comparison. Co-Chairman Capretta stated that, though he has no big problem with postponing the Library, there are other considerations: - can the Library be built for $.5 million? - where will it be located? - what will the Post Office do? - is the Christopher Foundation real, and is it a good proposal? - can it connect with Lighthouse Gallery? - is there enough money to build Phase I of Christopher Village? - will the Dorner Trust still donate an acre of land for the Library downtown? - The Chrysler Foundation owns Lighthouse Plaza - will they consider selling it, aad if eo, is there anyone to buy it? Mr. Capretta felt one alternative to resolving these issues would be to get all parties concerned (Joseph Benjamin; Gary Van Brock; the Dorner Trust people; the Chrysler Foundation; bidders on the Library; Village Officials) to sit down together to try to make all the downtown compatible. It appeared to Mr. Capretta that Joseph Benjamin was forcing the Village into a poeition of decision with no up-front proof that his proposal is real. Chairman Collinqs stated that there is a qroup which will approach the Village and Dorner Trust very ahortly regardinq building a drivinq ranqe north of Villaqe Boulevard. Mr. Collinqs felt that wae not a bad idea. Mr. Collinqs further stated that Joseph Benjamin has bid on, and has a contract to buy, Fashion Mall in Tequesta. Mr. Benjamin is also biddiaq on a piece of property north of Fashion Mall. Rsdevelopmsnt Committ�e Meetinq Minutss April 6, 1994 Paqe 3 ------------------------------- Mr. Collings felt the Village could also by the 14 Chrysler acres, giving the Village a more controlling position in the development of the downtown area. Chairman Mackail had no problem with the delaying of the opening of the bids for the Tequesta Branch Library. Mr. Mackail stated he looked at the development of the downtown area from a long-term point of view as opposed to a short- term. He felt the Library should be located downtown near municipal buildings, cultural centers, etc. He agreed all players should sit down at the table together to determine a plan, dates, schedules and funding ability. He also felt it would be in the best interest of the Village to purchase the Chrysler property, and that the Village must take a leadership role in the development of the downtown. Chairman Capretta stated that if Lighthouse Gallery leaves Tequesta (which is being considered), a key tenant in the downtown will be lost. Joseph Benjamin etated he has a letter in his file from the President of the Lighthouse Foundation stating that they 100$ support the project and will not make their final decision to move until a decision is made from the Village to move forward with the project. Mr. Benjamin stated he would have a straight-forward proposal ready to present to Tequesta in draft form in approximately one week, which will show what he will have to do, what Tequesta will have to do, and the economic effects on both sides. He stated he has a proposal from the Norton Foundation to pay toward the Christopher Village development $250,000 in the first twelve months of development. �The only condition attached is that the project progresses. Mr. Benjamin stated that the Christopher Foundation has two pieces of land in the downtown area under firm contract (Fashion Mall and Ocean Parks land), and an agreement to buy the Chrysler property. Mr. Benjamin suqgested that the Re-Development Committee recommend to the Village Council to delay bid openinq for the Library. He stated further after the selection of the economic expert's to do a feasibility atudy for the Villaqe, it will take at least four weeks before an enalysis can be aone. Redevelopment Coa�nittss Keetinq Miautes April 6, 1994 Page Q ------------------------------- Because this is an extraordinarily large project, it will take the Village an amount of time to consider the analysis. However, at that time the Village will know whether or not they want to go forward with the Christopher Village Project. Therefore, delaying bid opening for the Library would seem most practical. Mr. Benjamin stated further that, if the Village proceeds with the Christopher Village Project, his group would work with the contractor or group of contractors for the Library by poesibly offering them other work which they can do, eo they don't lose out in any way. Co-Chairman Capretta stated he has no problem with a 60-day delay regarding the Library, if, in fact, the Village had in hand a achedule for the whole Christopher Village Project. Mr. Benjamin stated that presently his group is interviewing the leading major fund raisers in the United States who will be here in Florida on Apzil 14 to make a presentation. At that time, a fund raiser will be chosen. When asked what he would have the Village do at thia poiat, Mr. Benjamin responded that: o he would prefer the Village to adjourn the decision on the Library and inform the people that the bidding is adjourned for two months; o accept the bid of PMG and allow the Chriatopher Village group to inetruct them to commence forward; o instruct the Village Manaqer to obtain from the Christopher's Village Foundation, as soon as possible, the fundamental outline of the proposal to implement the redevelopment of the whole area in conjunction with the Village at the earliest poesible moment, and possibly in time for the next Village Council Meeting on April 14. Village Manager Bradford etated that he feels it is incumbent upon the Villaqe, and the Village has the power, to comprehensively, and in a detailed fashion, plan for the rhols downtown area. He felt it would be ideal to have the Library as a part of the Master Plan, but the political aspect muet be considered. Thouqh Commissioner Marcus is supportive of a, six-month time extension, there is no quarantee the rest of ' the Commiseioner would agree. Redevelo�asnt Committee Haeting Miautes April 6, 1994 Page 5 ------------------------------- Co-Chairman Capretta felt that though there was a riek of losing the Library, there is a bigger risk of losing the Christopher Foundation proposal if Tequesta dosa not take action. Receiving the promised data from the Christopher Foundation will help Tequesta to make a determination as to which route they will choose. Chairman Mackail felt a 60-day delay for the Library was of not a lot of time when avoiding a mistake, especially when considering the future of Tequesta. Village Manager Bradford stated that the worst caee scenario if the County does not give Tequesta the Library monies and Tequesta should have to come up with the $500,000 at today's interest rates, would only result in a 1$ tax increase. It was Mr. Bradford's suggestion that the Dorner Trust representatives be brought to the Redevelopment Committee meetings. The Committee recommended that: 1) the Library be delayed indefinitely, until further notice; 2) obtain a program schedule of Christopher Village from Joseph Benjamin; 3) obtain the economic feasibility study of the Christopher Foundation proposal and Tequesta's involvement; B) Christopher Villaqe Foundation Development Proposal: 1) Fiaaacial Feasibility Study Status: Village Manager Bradford reported that Goodkin Research in Miami hae stated they are not available�to do the study; Fishkind & Aesociates of Orlando has not yet responded; PMG Associates of Deerfield Beach have been interviewed and have indicated that the study would be two-phased, with the first phase costing approxivaately $8,000 and the second phase approximately $6,000. . PMG is a small fina and have done other projects similar to the proposal before Tequeata for the downtown area. The feasibility etudy will entail: 1) marketability of the project proposed; 2) cost-benefit analysis for the Village to determine how much it will get back in revenues. - < .. Redevelopment Canmittea Meeting Minutes April 6, 1994 Page 6 ------------------------------- Chairman Mackail stated •that it would be important to know when the return on the investment would begin. The Committee recommended that the proposal for the financial feasibility study be placed on the Village Council Meeting Agenda for the April 14 meeting, and that the Redevelopment Committee look at the results of the feasibility study before it goes before the Village Council. IY. ANY OTHEIt MATTERS. There were no other matters before the Committee. YI. ADJOURNMENT There being no other matters before the Committee, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 A.M. Respectfully submitted, . - n�t Fran Bitters Recording Secretary ATTEST: Joann Manganiello Village Clerk DATE APPROVED: