Town Hall
About
Budget 07-08
Calendar of Events
Employment
Flood Information
Gallery
Gomez Children Trust Fund
History
Home
Hurricane Information
Links
Map
Meeting Minutes
New Resident Info
News
Newsletters
Ordinances/Resolutions
Parks
Town Updates
Volunteering

Building & Zoning
Code
Forms
New Building Checklist
Occupational Licensing
Permit Fees
Permit Process
Permit Status

Police Department
About
Employment
ORPD Links
News Alerts
Support Group
 

Search This Site

Local Weather

Privacy and Usage Policy
Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public-records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGE, FLORIDA, TO BE HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 27, 1999, AT 6:00 P.M.

The meeting was attended by Mayor Kaleel, Town Manager Gregory Dunham, Town Clerk Hancsak and the following members: Bud Aaskov, Kim Beaumont, Charlotte Carle, Jerry Goray, Jerry Lower, Jerry MaGruder, Dr. Victor Martel, Barbara Souther, and Dr. Nancy Sparks.

Town Manager Dunham thanked the members for volunteering to serve on this board and summarized Resolution No. 98-19 outlining their duties. He advised that the term could either be lengthened or shortened and pointed out that the board was expected to propose some sort of work plan prior to June 1999. He stated that the meetings needed to be open to the public, thus properly advertised, taped and minutes recorded so as not to violate the Florida Sunshine Law. He reminded the members that their goal was to make recommendations to the Town Commission with the staff assisting in providing resources.

At this point Mayor Kaleel commented that while he is not on the board he was an Ex Officio member and he also thanked the members for their participation on this board which was formed as a result of the Focus 2000 meeting held in May 1998. He stated that some of the issues included the traffic signs, entrance signs, traffic calming, beautification, and the development of the recently donated park. He added that it was the responsibility of the board to educate themselves on the subjects, determine what projects can be completed, how it could be achieved and whether the town can afford the project and by what means. He stated that the staff was available to assist in supplying information and scheduling speakers. He also stated that there are some funds available for professional services should it become necessary that can be approved by the Town Commission.

Regarding the recently donated park, Mrs. MaGruder mentioned that there were 5 silver tipped foxes that lived there. Mrs. Carle commented that the town needed to investigate the eradication of the exotics. Mayor Kaleel advised that the board needed to keep in mind that the town needed to maintain and budget any of the improvements made. He also pointed out that any enhancements could increase property values and add to the ambiance of the town and the county as a whole. Mayor Kaleel mentioned the possibility of pavers being installed at each intersection which would beautify the town as well as provide a traffic calming effect.

Mayor Kaleel stated that there may be grant monies available for projects that are presented. Mrs. Beaumont questioned the guidelines for the board to which she was advised that the Focus 2000 gave priorities and the board would need to reach a consensus on which items could actually be accomplished and were actually feasible.

Mrs. Carle recommended utilizing some of the information gathered from the Beautification Task Force and Garden Club. Mrs. MaGruder questioned why the projects investigated by the other groups were not finished. Mr. Lower responded by stating that the task force was making progress but unfortunately they stopped meeting when the controversy surrounding Comm O’Hare surfaced. Mayor Kaleel stated that he hoped the Commission would approve of the ideas recommended by this group.

Dr. Martel suggested implementing and meeting a deadline for at least one project. Mayor Kaleel commented that a time limit was set for this reason and the board needed to determine a plan of action. He did state that the time limit could be extended if progress is being made. He added that the proposed projects could take a long time to implement comparing it to how long it may take to complete some of the utility projects.

Mrs. MaGruder stated it was important to investigate what grants may be available before they determine what can be done to beautify the town. Mayor Kaleel stated the board should not concentrate on the funding at this time. Town Clerk Hancsak stated some items could be budgeted such as signs, entrances and pavers. Mayor Kaleel advised that Palm Beach County may also assist financially. Dr. Martel stated that completing the smaller tangible items would provide the energy to proceed further. Mayor Kaleel reminded the board that the town will be receiving $700,000 in plantings as a result of the new Ocean Ave. bridge and the town would be responsible for the maintenance once the bridge is complete.

At this point the board unanimously appointed Bud Aaskov as Chair of the board and Barbara Souther as Vice Chair. The board also decided to meet the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00 PM.

Town Manager Dunham summarized the main issues for the board which included: entry features, preservation areas (cost/impact), traffic calming, public area landscaping, bicycle paths, and national wildlife areas. Chairman Aaskov suggested that each member select three top priorities for the next meeting which will then be evaluated.

Mr. Goray stated that he felt the funding or grants investigation should parallel the projects. Town Manager Dunham commented that sources of funding could be investigated once a certain project is prioritized and recommended. Mrs. Carle mentioned a bequest to the town from the McGinty family that could possibly be used for beautification. Town Clerk Hancsak stated that the bequest was approximately $48,000 which she believed must be used for some permanent type of improvement or park.

Mrs. MaGruder questioned how much and how extensive the property at Beachway and A1A could be developed. Mayor Kaleel stated that he felt it must be a passive natural park. Mrs. MaGruder suggested having FDOT and the County speak regarding several issues. The board concurred that the projects should be prioritized first.

In summarizing the meeting the board decided that each member would select three projects that would be prioritized at the next meeting.

Regarding traffic signs, Mrs. MaGruder questioned if the town would be liable if a sign was changed. Mr. Lower commented that there were certain state regulations that had to be adhered to, however, the design of the sign may be changed.

Mrs. Souther suggested that the Town Manager provide information on the liability issues and legal sizes and dimensions of signs for the next meeting and also include discussion on suggested street signs and entrances. The board concurred. It was also decided that the members would be provided with a zoning map depicting the town owned property at the next meeting. Mr. Lower stated that he had some photographs available of some of the different areas owned by the town that he would place on a poster board for review by the board.

Dr. Martel suggested that the park be discussed at each meeting since it was apparent that it was a major issue for the town. Chairman Aaskov requested that each member walk through the park. Mr. Lower commented that he thought that it might be helpful if they were provided an inventory of what exotic native plant life existed in the park. Town Manager Dunham stated that he had a two page analysis of the property that he would distribute.

ADJOURNMENT

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:50 P.M.