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Town of Ocean Ridge |
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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, MARCH 24, 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 Lower, Dr. Victor Martel, Barbara Souther, and Dr. Luis Vinas. The board unanimously approved the minutes of the February 24, 1999 meeting. Town Manager Dunham suggested that the board discuss Item VI concerning the street signage first since Director Hillery was present to address the board. The Board concurred. IV. DISCUSS STREET SIGNAGE Chairman Aaskov reiterated that the board had raised questions concerning the requirements on sign size, shape etc. and the multiple signs on Old Ocean Blvd. at the last meeting. Director Hillery commented that the town has very little control regarding the signs on SR A1A regarding traffic (speed limit and directional) because they are controlled and approved by FDOT. He mentioned that the staff was recently given permission to erect 20-MPH signs on Old Ocean Blvd. He added that 10-MPH speed limits would be unenforceable. Regarding traffic signs, Director Hillery advised that the existing Stop signs were enforceable at their current height until they are replaced at which time they would be required to meet the new standard of 12’ from the bottom of the sign. (It is to be noted that upon reviewing the code after the meeting it was discovered that it is actually 7’ from the bottom of the sign and mounted on 12’ posts) Town Manager Dunham commented that it would possible to make the new standard sign more attractive, however, the attractive boxed signs like the ones placed at Quail Ridge are not enforceable because they are at the lower height. Mr. Lower advised that the board was interested in reducing the amount of signs on Old Ocean Blvd. (96) and possibly place them only the intersections. Director Hillery stated that the signs would be enforceable if they were placed at each intersection. After some discussion the board concurred that the town should erect the new standard Stop sign at each intersection with a speed limit sign attached to the same pole/post and also one informational sign containing a LOGO with the following information: No Parking on Old Ocean Blvd., No Dogs on Public Beach, Environmental Laws Strictly Enforced, and Pedestrian Friendly. The board also agreed that there should be one sign at the foot of each public crossover that stated No Dogs on Public Beach and Do Not Remove Vegetation. The staff was directed to obtain various catalogs with information regarding beach or ocean related logos and construction materials. Chairman Aaskov reminded the board that they should not consider cost factors at this time and they should concentrate on what they will ultimately recommend to the Commission. The board also stressed that the Commission should try to communicate with FDOT in regards to installing the more modern traffic devices and suggest that they also try to compact the signs along SR A1A and make them more attractive. The Town Manager advised that he would approach FDOT and report back to the board. As a point of information Dr. Martel advised that repairs on the vertical boards were necessary at the Porter St. crossover.
Chairman Aaskov cited the notable restriction of a nature preserve in the July 21, 1998 letter and then again in the May 4, 1998 letter from the attorney representing the National Wildlife. Dr. Vinas questioned the definition of a nature preserve to which Town Manager Dunham advised that he would try to clarify the definition. However, Mr. Dunham added that he did not see any restrictions in the deed. Town Manager Dunham distributed Section 26-15 pertaining to the restriction in the Conservation district and read sub-paragraph (b) and (c) regarding uses and special exceptions. He advised that our code restricts the uses for this property. Mr. Dunham commented that some limited development could still be accomplished, possibly similar to the Gumbo Limbo Park in Boca Raton. Chairman Aaskov commented that there should be no problem constructing pathways and possibly a gazebo. Town Manager Dunham stated that the board may wish to consider a small building that could house a small display. Dr. Vinas stated that he did not feel the town needed to educate about the park and added that he felt the importance was a place for the children to play. Mr. Lower suggested constructing an area to attract kids once the exotics were eradicated. Chairman Aaskov suggested that one specific play area with equipment for the children be designated. He also questioned whether restrooms should be provided. Town Manager Dunham stated that they were not required. Mrs. Souther added that the town did not want to encourage vagrancy. Mr. Lower explained that the middle section of the property is where most of the non-native vegetation would need to be removed and he felt this would be the best area for the playground. He added that this area would also provide a visual view for the police vehicle from Midlane Road. The board agreed that the property should be cleared of exotics, fit a pedestrian outline, provide an area for children to play, no vehicle parking, permit bicycle parking, and providing a shoulder on Midlane Road for visibility from the street. Mrs. Souther questioned whether a play area would possibly present a liability issue to which Town Manager Dunham advised that the town would have to become insured. Chairman Aaskov commented that the residents to the north are concerned with any development directly near them. He also stated that once the exotics are removed and replanting from an approved list is accomplished then a maintenance issue will arise. Mr. Lower suggested possibly planting thicker vegetation as a buffer for the residents to the north. At the conclusion of this item the board directed the Town Manager to contact the attorney for the National Wildlife regarding the possibility of a playground in the park, obtain the definition of a nature preserve, and request to the Commission that he be authorized to contract a company to map the exotics from the park in order to determine an estimate to eradicate them. Mr. Lower mentioned that he heard the Utility Infrastructure Board was possibly interested in using this area for stormwater retention. Town Manager Dunham stated it would be necessary to rezone the parcel if that were the case and cited from Section 26-15 where it prohibits such a use without rezoning. Town Manager Dunham asked the board if they were interested in a field trip to Gumbo Limbo Park to which the majority of the members present advised that it would be more convenient for them to go on their own if they wanted to see it. Mr. Dunham then distributed several handouts about the park. It was announced that the next meeting would be held April 28, 1999 at 6:00 PM. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:50 P.M. |
