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Special Town Commission Meeting of the Town of Ocean Ridge held on Monday, October 2, 2000 at 5:30 PM in the Town Hall Meeting Chambers

The meeting was called to order by Mayor Aaskov and roll call was answered by the following:

Commissioner Bingham Commissioner Kaleel

Commissioner Willens Mayor Aaskov

It was noted for the record that Comm Bridges was absent with notice.

Actions and Reports

1. Presentation and discussion regarding the Corrine Street property restoration – County Commissioner Warren Newell and Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resource Management

Comm Newell advised that the County had drafted a preliminary Interlocal agreement for the Town and that they have some new designs to present that include kiosks and observation decks.

Jim Barry, Palm Beach County Environmental Director, advised that the basics in the design had not changed much, however, during a walkthrough it was discovered there were three mosquito ditches. They have decided to leave them and scrape around them to open it to a tidal area. He added that to the east of the boardwalk, the County would like to add four culverts which would also help with the flushing and the mosquitoes.

Comm Kaleel questioned if the boardwalk would be strong enough to support emergency equipment to which Carman Vare, Environmental Program Supervisor, advised that it would be ADA accessible and able to support small emergency equipment, but not a car. Director Hillery questioned if there was an area where a helicopter could land to which Mr. Vare advised that there would not be as it would all be a wooded area. Comm Kaleel stated that he felt there should be some sort of emergency vehicle access. Comm Newell questioned if fill could be brought in and a turn around made for cars to which Mr. Vare explained that he felt there was too much mangrove area to support a turn around.

Comm Kaleel commented that it may be acceptable if there is access ability for an ATV which could bring in fire equipment to which Mr. Berry advised that Peanut Island has an ATV which can transport one victim. Director Hillery advised that since the Town has the responsibility for the park, the Town would need to know everything regarding emergency access for the park.

Mr. Barry advised that the tower would be in the coastal strand area overlooking the tidal pond. Comm Kaleel questioned if the tower has ADA access to which Mr. Vare said that there is ADA access to the first floor, but not the stairs above that. Comm Bingham questioned the size of the tower to which Mr. Berry stated that it was approximately 20’ X 20’ to which Comm Bingham advised that she would like it smaller. Mr. Berry advised that they would adjust the plans to include a tower similar to the one at Gumbo Limbo Park which is approximately 12’ X 12’. The Commission concurred.

Comm Bingham questioned how much natural growth would have to be sacrificed in order to have room for full vehicle access to which Mr. Vare advised that access could be made on top of a ditch which is currently 10’ wide so as to have as little impact on the mangroves as possible, however, it would not be suitable for a full size vehicle.

Mr. Vare advised that there is currently approximately $500,000 in bonds and $600,000 from the Lake Worth Lagoon project. He advised that the grant would expire February 2003 and, although they can get a one-year extension, he would like to move the project along as though they need to finish by February 2003. He advised that the permits and planning should be completed by August 2001 and design completed by February 2002. After that, he commented that it should take ten months to build putting completion at December 2002. He added that he would like to have the interlocal agreement completed within the next few months.

Comm Willens questioned if the Town would have the right to refuse any vegetation that they do not want. Mr. Barry stated that the Town would be reviewing all of the plans and the County could not do anything that the Town disagrees with. Comm Kaleel stated that he felt the County has done a great job on the project so far.

Comm Newell advised that they are attempting a more rustic look with the tower and the boardwalk and will be making comparisons between real wood and plastic wood. He questioned where the Town would like the educational kiosks placed to which Comm Kaleel suggested that they be along the path near the native vegetation. Comm Newell stated that they would also like to add areas on the boardwalk where people can step off the main area and get out of the sun. Mr. Barry advised that a freestanding kiosk would be placed at either the front of the park or near the tower. The Commission favored the freestanding kiosk by the tower. Comm Newell added that the entrance signs would be low key.

Comm Newell questioned if the Town would prefer a lease or interlocal agreement to which Comm Kaleel stated that he felt an Interlocal agreement would be better politically and that the two agreements would essentially contain the same information. Atty Spillias stated that a lease agreement would give the County property interest. Mr. Barry stated that the County has mostly lease agreements in these situations so that they have the mechanism to acquire more bond funds from the County should they need more money for maintenance or repair. He added that a lease agreement also places more liability on the County. Mr. Barry advised that the lease could include a sixty or ninety day out for the Town. Atty Spillias advised he would review both alternatives.

Comm Newell stated that they would spend the next few weeks working out new costs and emergency access.

Mr. Barry stated that he would like the ability to bring additional changes to Town Manager Dunham and Atty Spillias as opposed to bringing it all before the Town Commission to which the Town Commission agreed.

Comm Willens commented that he was impressed with how the County was working with the Town.

Scott Brown, 6064 N Ocean Blvd., advised that he owns property near the proposed park area adding that he might be willing to donate it to the Town to expand the park. He commented that if he did not donate the land, he would advise the County to be careful of his property when building the park. Comm Newell stated that he would not want to slow down the development of the current project, but that he would be happy to review how the property could enhance the park. He added that if the property was not donated, the County would be careful to protect his property rights.

Comm Kaleel suggested phasing in parts of the project.

Comm Newell stated that he would meet with Mr. Brown to discuss the possibility of using his property as well to enhance this project.

The Town Commission thanked Comm Newell and Messrs. Barry and Vare for their presentation.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 PM.