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Town of Ocean Ridge |
Town Hall: |
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Town Hall Building & Zoning Police Department
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ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGE, FLORIDA, TO BE HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 28, 1999, AT 6:00 P.M. The meeting was attended by Town Manager Gregory Dunham, Town Clerk Hancsak and the following members: Bud Aaskov, Kim Beaumont, Jerry Goray, Dr. Victor Martel, Barbara Souther, and Don MaGruder. The board unanimously approved the minutes of the June 23, 1999 meeting. Town Manager Dunham commented that he debated on whether to have a meeting this month considering the time constraints on staff with the preparation and submittal of the proposed budget, however, he thought that this board could still be productive at this meeting.
Town Manager Dunham stated that in light of the Commission desiring a more attractive enhanced sign he was still reviewing different materials that can be used for the proposed signs on Old Ocean Blvd. One of the options was to use the wood foam signs as is currently used on the Boynton Public Beach signs, however, he thought the signs could still be made more attractive. He reiterated that at previous meetings the board came to a consensus on the verbiage and location of the signs and he would hopefully have a few examples available for the next meeting for the actual sign itself. Mr. MaGruder questioned whether the new Stop signs would have to be raised to the 7’ level to which he was advised that erecting new signs that do not conform to FSS could produce a liability to the town. Mr. Lower clarified that the encasing for the signs was strictly for Stop signs and town signs on Old Ocean Blvd. only. Chairman Aaskov stated that he was uncomfortable with the status of the completion of the signs. Dr. Martel agreed. Town Manager Dunham commented that the staff was reviewing the materials that could be used for the signs. He added that unfortunately staff has been involved with the budget and meetings with the Commission. Chairman Aaskov commented that the board should also be offering ideas and encouraged the board to do so. The board again expressed their approval of the entrance signs for Gulfstream and requested that the Town Manager investigate who created the sign. Town Manager Dunham stated that the signs were part of an overall project through a grant and stated that there were approximately three contractors involved. Several of the board members suggested that one of the representatives that created the sign be present at the next meeting. Dr. Martel stated that he also liked the Ocean Harbour Estates sign. Mrs. Souther stated that she felt the town should create a continuous theme. Town Manager Dunham stated that once the Ocean Ave. bridge is complete then that area may provide a theme with which to continue throughout the town. At this point the computer enhanced photograph of the bridge was distributed to the members to show the type of lighting that will be used on Ocean Ave. The board concurred that they approved of the lighting and suggested placing this type of lighting along SR A1A. The board concurred that the Town Manager should investigate the costs of the lighting and attempt to borrow several of the computer enhanced photographs to be used in possibly creating a similar type of entrance sign utilizing the same materials and color scheme. Mrs. Beaumont stated that she favored the Verde green color. Mr. Lower suggested that the lighting could be completed in phases if necessary considering the costs that may be involved. In summary the board concurred that the Town Manager should try to obtain bridge renditions, costs for lighting and several examples of encasings for signs for the next meeting.
Chairman Aaskov commented that the vegetation was recently trimmed at the corner of Beachway and SR A1A. Mr. MaGruder questioned who completed the trimming because he felt they did a terrible job. Town Manager Dunham stated that the maintenance department trimmed the area, which also included removing several invasives, after complaints were received regarding the view to the east being obstructed when trying to exit from Midlane Road. Regarding the decision made recently by the Town Commission to delay the park until after the drainage analysis is completed, Chairman Aaskov stated that it is now evident that the property has been used for water runoff and there is a culvert in place. He stated that he also believes that when the bridge was constructed this property was part of the design element for drainage. Mrs. Beaumont questioned if the water retention area could be made larger into a pond and then build a park around it. She was advised that this may be possible, however, it must first be determined how much of the property is currently used for drainage and how much of the property may need to be used for future drainage. Mr. Lower questioned whether the exotics could still be removed. Mr. Dunham stated that if the exotics were removed replanting could not be completed until it was determined what areas may be necessary for drainage. Mr. MaGruder asked if the town could attempt to enhance the trimmed area. Mr. Lower offered to wander through the area and identify plants that could be relocated so the immediate area could be trimmed and mowed further. Chairman Aaskov offered his assistance also and stated he would meet with the Town Manager. Mrs. Beaumont questioned whether FDOT has plans to landscape the area along A1A when the road is widened as was recently completed in Gulfstream. Town Manager Dunham advised that the plantings in Gulfstream were part of their overall grant program. Town Clerk Hancsak stated that FDOT had planned to widen the road a maximum of 2’ in areas where possible and she did not believe it included any plantings. On an unrelated subject, Mr. MaGruder questioned whether there was any code requiring that the wall be finished at 6301 North Ocean Blvd, citing that he felt it was unsightly. He was advised that an ordinance did not exist to mandate that the wall be completed prior to the rest of the project. Town Manager Dunham stated that he would suggest to the contractor that the wall be finished. Town Manager Dunham asked for assistance in identifying the elements the board would like in creating the entrance signs (ie monument style, rock, or objects such as the ship’s wheel in North Palm Beach). Town Clerk Hancsak reminded the board that the signs would be limited in size due to the right-of-way areas where they can be placed. Chairman Aaskov commented that the signs should not be too large anyway due to possible liability issues. He added that landscaping other than xeriscape would require irrigation and electric which presents an additional issue. The board stated that they felt these few small areas should not deeply impact the maintenance duties. Town Manager Dunham commented that during the next budget year he would be analyzing whether the maintenance for the new landscaping should be completed via a contracted company or additional maintenance personnel. A brief discussion ensued regarding the possible necessity of raising taxes in the upcoming years due to several proposed projects. The board agreed that they felt that the majority of the residents would not object to a tax increase if there were positive improvements made in the town. Regarding the north entrance to the town, Mr. MaGruder suggested that FDOT or the county install curbing along the west side of SR A1A because he felt this area was an eyesore especially when vehicles park along the gravel and grass in that area. Town Manager Dunham stated that the county has plans for the upcoming budget year to eliminate the north access and install landscaping to enhance the area. The board directed the Town Manager to try to obtain the proposed plans for the county project to be available for the next meeting. Mr. Lower suggested that prior to proposing any specific type of entrance sign that the Town Manager research the design and materials used for the bridge project. Mr. Lower added that if might be prudent to ask the architect to appear before the board. Mr. Goray suggested that the contractor that created the Gulfstream sign submit several proposals for the board to review. On an unrelated subject, Mr. MaGruder commented that he did not feel the Porter St. Crossover was adequately repaired citing a look of disrepair with the decorative strips and the missing metal caps. Town Manager Dunham advised he would inspect the crossover. Mrs. Beaumont questioned the status of any proposals or presentations with ABC Sign Emporium. Town Manager Dunham stated that he received a quotation to incorporate the Stop signs into a wood frame, however, he was now seeking a more elegant look. The next meeting date of August 25, 1999 was announced. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:30 P.M. |
