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Town of Ocean Ridge |
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SPECIAL MEETING HELD BY THE TOWN COMMISSION FOR THE TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGE, FLORIDA, TO BE HELD IN THE TOWN HALL ON MONDAY, MAY 22, 2000, AT 4:00 P.M. The meeting was called to order and roll call was answered by the following: Commissioner Bridges Commissioner Kaleel Mayor Aaskov It was noted that apparently Comm Bingham and Comm Willens were running late. ACTIONS AND REPORTS
Town Manager Dunham advised that this resolution has changed since the distribution of the agenda packets. He advised that at this time the staff is only seeking authorization to terminate the current agreement with ICI due to repeated problems with the service in the last three years. He added that the staff has not selected a particular replacement at this time, however, one will be recommended within two weeks. Town Clerk Hancsak read the revised resolution by title only, which merely deleted the new company. Comm Kaleel moved to adopt the revised Resolution No. 2000-10, seconded by Comm Bridges. Motion carried – Yea (3).
Town Manager Dunham explained that repairs were necessary to a broken storm drainage pipe going to a catch basin at 123 Marlin Drive that had caused a large hole to develop in the ROW portion of the driveway. The pipe was replaced and the driveway was patched at a cost of $3,525.00. He was requesting that the Commission ratify the emergency $3,525.00 repair from the Contingency Account. Comm Kaleel moved to ratify the $3,525.00 emergency expenditure from the Contingency Account, seconded by Comm Bridges. Motion carried – Yea (3) On an unrelated matter Attorney Spillias advised that the Town has been served as a cross plaintiff in a suit involving Cheryl Olanoff and Scott and Betty Kelso. Evidently the Kelsos’ filed a counterclaim to the Olanoff suit at which time Ocean Ridge was brought in as a crossclaim. The Town will be required to respond and he was requesting a special meeting, that would go into executive session, be scheduled to discuss the strategy and costs. Comm Kaleel moved to schedule this meeting for 8 AM on Wednesday, May 24, 2000, seconded by Comm Bridges. Motion carried – Yea (3). Comm Bingham arrived at approximately 4:10 PM. County Commissioner Warren Newell introduced Rich Walesky, DERM Director, and Jim Barry, Environmental Director for the County. Comm Kaleel commented that at the FOCUS 2000 meeting the participants expressed interest in enhancing the mangrove area. He stated that he has spoken several times to Comm Newell who advised that the County has developed a management plan to improve the water quality and mangroves in the lagoon. He added that the Environmental Advisory Board had overwhelmingly approved the concept and now the County was interested in addressing the Commission. Comm Newell advised that because the lagoon has been a dumping ground for the past 60-80 years for stormwater runoff, and septic and raw sewage the county has developed a management plan to clean and improve the water quality of the ICWW. He stated that part of the plan includes public awareness brochures, informational CD’s for classrooms, mail outs, and a shoreline enhancement plan that could possibly include the Corrine St. property. Comm Newell produced several brochures that are being distributed stressing the importance of stormwater runoff into the ICWW. He commented that the County still has ample funding for projects in the lagoons to assist in these efforts and after reviewing various locations along the coast they felt Ocean Ridge had an area with a tremendous amount of Australian pine trees that could be removed to improve the lake system. He added that improving the lake system would benefit the bird habitat and small fish species, as well as the flushing for the mangroves. He stated that he and Comm Kaleel had briefly discussed the idea of what could be done to improve the Corrine Street property. He also stated that the County was not asking for any funding from the town and this would be considered an enhancement project. At this point Mr. Barry explained a drawing depicting an area for an above ground hammock area, approximately 4.5 acres of mangroves situated among several ponds approximately 4 or 5’ deep that flow to one larger pond, marginal docks surrounding the larger pond, and approximately 1,349 feet of public access. He added that the public access is already partially accessible by an existing road and a boardwalk over possible culverts would be constructed for the remaining pathway. He also added that picnic tables on the hammock area was optional. He explained that this property would then provide a more conducive area for the fish habitat in addition to the mangroves. He also stated that the goal was to provide a natural flushing that would not require maintenance. Mayor Aaskov questioned whether citizens would want to venture in the area taking into consideration the large influx of mosquitos and noseeums. Comm Bingham expressed her concerns that homeowners bordering ROW’s or this property plant vegetation that restricts the natural flushing and cause an ecological jam. She was also concerned that boaters would litter and destroy the area. She added that the area now provides an excellent place for the bird habitat and also the manatees frolic in the area. However, she did state that she would like to see the Australian pine trees removed. Mr. Barry commented that the County would seek to make the property a beneficial area and would want total Town input. Comm Willens arrived at approximately 4:30 PM. Comm Bridges commented that he felt past joint ventures with Palm Beach County have resulted in unsatisfied promises citing the incomplete planting on the dune for the beach renourishment project. He stated that he and the Town Manager have discussed the incomplete planting with Bob Klinger with negative results. He added that there are also many complaints regarding the condition and pooling of water at the Ocean Ridge Hammock. He did compliment the Ocean Inlet Park and the recent combining with the Inlet. Comm Bridges stated that he was concerned with the speeding boats that travel the ICWW that negatively impact the manatees, docked boats, and seawalls in the area. He commented that before any agreements were made with this property he felt the County needed to handle the beach matter and work with other agencies regarding the speeding vessels. He advised that he was in favor of the clean up and still retaining control of the property but added that he felt the property was valuable for the town to sell for mitigation purposes. Mr. Barry stated that speeding boats is a difficult issue because the ICWW is federally regulated and the rules and regulations are set by specific criteria, such as accidents, and location of fuel docks. He added that the County could provide input but cannot promise any results on this issue. Comm Newell commented that there is currently a speed limit of 25 or 30 MPH to which all the Town Commissioners advised that the speed limits are not being enforced. Comm Kaleel stated that Comm Bridges raised a valid concern regarding addressing several related issues and he added that the concern should include the manatees as well as the fisheries. He commented that the County and Town should be consistent and protect the total environment and view the issue comprehensively. Comm Bridges advised that other neighboring municipalities were also concerned with the same issues. Comm Kaleel questioned whether a small bird tower was considered because his recollection was that the Environmental Advisory Board suggested that one be constructed. Mr. Barry advised that the County was interested in working with the Town on various options and the kiosk would consist of a small information tower. Comm Newell stated that should the County and Town agree on the proposed improvements then all the issues would be itemized in an Interlocal Agreement. Comm Newell commented that Rich Walesky had suggested that the Commission tour Munyon Island by boat, possibly on a Friday or Saturday morning, in order to visualize the concept of similar improvements. Comm Bridges clarified that there would be no available vehicle parking and only small boats from the waterside. Comm Bingham stated that she felt no motor boats should be permitted to which Comm Kaleel advised that a boater would know when the tide would allow entry for their boat. Comm Kaleel thanked and acknowledged Comm Newell for his efforts in attempting to clean the area and he supports the clean up efforts in dealing with stormwater drainage. Comm Kaleel also commented on how the Cargo River in Ohio has been substantially cleaned through devoted efforts and felt that Florida, especially this County, should be an advocate for enhancement also. Director Hillery advised that he was concerned with the security aspect, i.e.; who would respond in the event of a fire or an injured person, and whether the area would be open during the night. Comm Newell advised that there have not been any incidents with person/s attempting to camp in these areas since they have been improved but realized they needed to address this issue. Comm Kaleel questioned whether any proposed change to the speed limits would have to be forwarded to the Federal Agencies to which Mr. Barry advised that the federal authorities regulate the ICWW, however, any proposed changes would have to be proposed by the state. Town Manager Dunham asked whether there was any signage proposed to which he was advised that the only signage would be at the kiosk. All parties concurred that the Town and County staff would coordinate a boat tour of Munyon Island in the near future. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:10 P.M. |
