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Town of Ocean Ridge |
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ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE ADVISORY BOARD MEETING FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGE, FLORIDA HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 1999 AT 6:00 PM The meeting was attended by Town Manager Gregory Dunham, Deputy Town Clerk Lisa Herrmann and the following members: Bud Aaskov, Jerry Lower, Don MaGruder, Victor Martel, Mary Sparks, Barbara Souther and Luis Vinas. There was a discussion on the June 2, 1999 minutes and Chairman Aaskov suggested to amend the minutes at the fifth sentence in the first paragraph under the heading discuss dune vegetation from "seagrapes are not significant to Florida" to "seagrapes were not significant to Florida." The amended minutes of the June 2, 1999 meeting were approved unanimously. III. Follow-up discussion Re: signage Town Manager Dunham explained that he took the recommendations of the board to the Town Commission. He stated that the Town Commission did not like the materials suggested for the signs and has requested that the board look into something nicer than ordinary metal signs. Town Manager Dunham explained that stop signs need to be 7’ from the bottom of the sign to the crest of the road which would make the sign very high. He commented that most towns do not follow this rule. Director Hillery stated that he believed a town ordinance sign would be able to deviate from the height regulations. He stated that these signs could be placed at the ends of Old Ocean Blvd. and the end of the streets coming onto Old Ocean Blvd.. Barbara Souther commented that she was bothered that the Town Commission asked for wooden signs which was not what the board had recommended. Victor Martel stated that he was very upset after reading the Town Commission meeting minutes because he does not feel that the board is accomplishing anything when their recommendations are easily dismissed. Chairman Aaskov stated that he was at the Town Commission meeting and he spoke his mind to the Commissioners about the board’s suggestions. He stated that the board can not force the Town Commission to accept their ideas. Mary Sparks commented that she felt it was clear that the board is advisory and it is the right of the Town Commission to accept or reject these recommendations. Town Manager Dunham explained that the signs at Oceanfront Park are made from a recycled material. Chairman Aaskov suggested that someone present their options for signs at a future meeting. Town Manager Dunham stated that he would ask a representative from ABC Sign Emporium to present at the next meeting. IV. Follow-up discussion Re: National Wildlife Site Dr. Martel stated that he felt the playground was a dead issue with the Town Commission. Dr. Vinas commented that he did not want to waste his time on this issue anymore. Chairman Aaskov stated that since the board has told the Town Commission what they want in the park, it would now be up to other residents to let the Town Commission know their opinion on a playground. He added that the board has let the Town Commission know that there are families in town who want a playground. Town Manager Dunham explained that he was directed to hire a park planner, which is what the board wanted, who may have other ideas. Referring to the minutes of the Town Commission meeting, Mrs. Souther stated that she did not like the idea of the site being used for water retention. Town Manager Dunham explained that three public meetings will be required when seeking FRDAP funds so other residents can voice their opinions. Town Manager Dunham explained that the Town Commission has directed him that the park should not include a playground. Jerry Lower suggested that the park planner include a open area which could include a playground at a later time if a majority of residents want one. Town Manager Dunham reiterated that the majority of the Town Commission did not want a playground or gazebo at the site. Dr. Vinas stated that the Town Commission has approved the board to hire a park planner and the board should design the site as they see fit and not allow the Town Commission to dictate what goes in the park. Dr. Martel added that it should have been conveyed to the Town Commission that the board was only requesting fund approval for the park planner and not approval of the elements in the park. Chairman Aaskov stated that the Town Manager was given clear instructions from the Town Commission that the site was not to include a playground or gazebo. Mr. Lower reiterated that the park planner could be asked to leave open spaces which could be changed later after the public hearings. Mrs. Souther agreed with the suggestion for open spaces. Mr. Lower moved that the Town Manager direct the park planner to create a plan which uses existing vegetation and creates open recreational space to be defined at a later time, seconded by Mrs. Souther. Motion carried – yea 6 (Aaskov, Lower, MaGruder, Martel, Souther, Sparks) nay 1 (Vinas) Dr. Vinas stated that he did not want the park to have to be re-defined later. Dr. Sparks stated that she was also concerned about the site being used for water retention to which Chairman Aaskov stated that only one commissioner mentioned water retention as an aside. Mrs. Souther stated that she felt everyone was frustrated as the only two recommendations that they made to the Town Commission were rejected. Town Manager Dunham commented that he felt most advisory boards often feel frustrated.
Town Manager Dunham explained that the entrance signs to Gulf Stream were discussed at a previous meeting. He explained that Gulf Stream had to work with three different contractors and that it has been very expensive. He added that since A1A is historical through Gulf Stream, DOT is funding the signs. He stated that they are placing similar sings on their other streets of which they only have four where Ocean Ridge would have twenty-three. Dr. Martel stated that he did not feel it should be difficult to simply hire someone to make the signs. Town Manager Dunham explained that $50,000 for signs would be a big piece of a $2 million budget. Town Manager Dunham explained that the other advisory board had discussed underground utilities which FP&L advised that the cost for the town would be between $12 and $15 million. Dr. Vinas questioned how the other board was doing on the issue of no-see-ums to which Town Manager Dunham stated that someone from Complete Pest Control would be coming in to speak to them. Dr. Martel questioned if the town was finished with the crossovers stating that it appeared that some of the boards had simply been turned over. Town Manager Dunham explained that they are supposed to be turning over the boards that can still be used adding that they have not completed their work on the Porter St. crossover, yet. Mrs. Souther stated that whoever designs the signs for Old Ocean Blvd. could be asked for ideas for entrance signs. Town Manager Dunham explained that he did not believe that ABC Sign Emporium employed designers, but that he would look into other companies who do. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 PM. |
