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WORKSHOP MEETING: BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS 1. CALL TO ORDER: July 14, 1998, at 9:45 a.m., in the Palm Beach County Governmental Center, West Palm Beach, Florida. 1.A. ROLL CALL MEMBERS AND OFFICERS PRESENT: Chair Burt Aaronson Vice-Chair Maude Ford Lee Commissioner Ken L. Foster Commissioner Mary McCarty Commissioner Karen T. Marcus Commissioner Warren H. Newell Commissioner Carol A. Roberts - Arrived later County Administrator Robert Weisman County Attorney Denise Dytrych Chief Deputy County Attorney Gordon Selfridge Deputy Clerk Carla Valcarcel 2. AGENDA APPROVAL 2.A. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS SUBSTITUTIONS County Administrator Weisman noted the Agenda changes as follows:
PAGE ITEM 2:00 P.M. DELETED: Beach Funding Issues (ERM)
3:00 P.M. MOVED TO 2:00 P.M. School Concurrency Legislation (Admin) 1 3C-1 ADD-ON: POSTPONED FROM JULY 7, 1998 Staff recommends motion to: A) appoint Edgar McRae, a local resident and prior CRA Board member, to fill the expired term of James Thornton, Seat 4, for a four (4) year term commencing July 7, 1998 and expiring May 31, 2002; B) appoint Daniel Pitts, a local resident, to complete the term of Donna Barry, Seat 5, commencing July 14, 1998 and expiring May 31, 1999; and C) approve CRA Board appointment of Edgar McRae, as Board Chair and R. McDonald as Board Secretary/Treasurer for a one (1) year term commencing July 7, 1998 and expiring May 31, 1999. SUMMARY: The Westgate/Belvedere Homes CRA Board consists of seven at large members from the general public and local businesses within the CRA boundaries. Ordinance 89-6 requires that the BCC appoint the CRA commissioners. After duly advertising, the CRA held its annual organizational meeting on May 12, 1998 for the purpose of nominating and electing members and nominating board officers. At that meeting, Edgar McRae was nominated to serve as board member to fill the expiring term of James Thornton (Seat 4). Daniel Pitts was also nominated as a Board alternate in the event a Board commissioner resigned his/her seat during the calendar year. Donna Barry, Interim Chair, is resigning Board Seat No. 5 (term 6/7/95 - 5/31/99) effective July 14, 1998, and it is requested that Daniel Pitts, board alternate, be approved to complete this unexpired term through Due to post-election resignation of the vice-chair nominee, the position of vice chair will be voted on by Board members at the CRA's July 13, 1998 regular meeting and submitted to the BCC for approval. District 2 (TKF) (HCD) 1 3C-2 ADD-ON: Presentation by Commissioner Lee on the recent Economic Development trip to Mexico City. 2.B. ADOPTION MOTION to adopt the Agenda as amended. Motion by Commissioner Marcus, seconded by Commissioner McCarty and carried 6-0. Commissioner Roberts absent. 3. REGULAR AGENDA 3.A. CLERK 3.A.1. WARRANT LIST DATED JULY 13, 1998. APPROVED 7-14-98 COMPUTER CHECKS $ 5,144,333.26 WIRE TRANSFERS 31,400,976.80 MANUAL CHECKS 0.00 $36,545,310.06 MOTION to approve the Warrant List. Motion by Commissioner Newell, seconded by Commissioner Marcus and carried 6-0. Commissioner Roberts absent. 3.A.2. CONTRACT ON THE CONTRACT LIST EXECUTED BY THE PURCHASING DIRECTOR: a. RENEWAL OF TERM CONTRACT WITH KELLY TRACTOR CORPORATION FOR $105,000 FOR PURCHASE OF O.E.M. PARTS AND REPAIR SERVICE FOR CATERPILLAR EQUIPMENT FROM SEPTEMBER 14, 1998, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 13, 1999. APPROVED 7-14-98 MOTION to approve the contract on the Contract List. Motion by Commissioner Newell, seconded by Commissioner McCarty and carried 6-0. Commissioner Roberts absent. (CLERK'S NOTE: Commissioner Roberts joined the meeting.) 3.B. RISK MANAGEMENT 3.B.1. a. CONCEPTUALLY APPROVE RENEWAL OF THE GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRACTS WITH BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF FLORIDA, INC., FOR A FULLY INSURED TRIPLE OPTION (HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION, POINT OF SERVICE AND PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION) PLAN FROM JANUARY 1, 1999, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1999, SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF ACCEPTABLE FINAL RENEWAL FIGURES DUE SEPTEMBER 1, 1998. APPROVED WITH DIRECTION 7-14-98 b. CONCEPTUAL APPROVAL OF MINOR BENEFIT CHANGES IN THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION UNDER BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF FLORIDA, INC., AND POINT OF SERVICE PLANS AND SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES TO THE PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION PLAN. APPROVED WITH DIRECTION 7-14-98 MOTION to conceptually approve the renewal of the group health insurance contracts with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. Motion by Commissioner Marcus and seconded by Commissioner Lee. Assistant County Administrator Jean Creamer and staff presented a brief report on the proposed percentage rate increases for the renewal of the County's health benefits packages with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. The discussion lingered particularly on the Preferred Provider Organization plan which provided for either a rate increase of 38.2 percent with the current benefits or 22 percent increase with benefit changes. Commissioner Aaronson opposed the 22 percent increase because he stated that it would mean a reduction of benefits for employees. When he asked how much the premiums would be and how much the County would pay, staff did not have those figures. County Administrator Weisman requested a recess for a discussion with staff. (CLERK'S NOTE: For continuation of Item 3.B.1., see Pages 4-5.) (CLERK'S NOTE: The Board informally agreed to discuss the following item at this time.) 3.C. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS 3.C.1. BOARD APPOINTMENTS - See Page 7. 3.C.2. PRESENTATION BY COMMISSIONER LEE ON THE RECENT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRIP TO MEXICO CITY. DISCUSSED 7-14-98 Commissioner Lee reported that she joined a delegation composed of City of West Palm Beach Commissioner Alfred Zucaro, Jr., and representatives from the Port of Palm Beach, the Tourist Development Council, the various Chambers of Commerce in the County and private industry recently traveled to Mexico City as part of an economic development program to promote trade, commerce and tourism in the County. Commissioner Zucaro reported that each delegate met with his or her respective Mexican counterpart and stated that Mexico was eager to form a relationship with the County and the various entities which would benefit from such a partnership. He added that five businesses had expressed their interest in establishing their businesses in the County. Mr. Zucaro invited the Board to join a delegation of 30 people from various sectors on October 16-24, 1998, to attend the Argentine Chamber of Commerce Summit in Buenos Aires. Commissioners McCarty and Marcus requested County Administrator Weisman to search for funding sources other than the Commission funds to pay for County-sanctioned trips. Commissioner Roberts suggested asking the Economic Development Board for assistance in funding the Argentina trip. She also suggested that the City of La Plata be included in the itinerary for its unique transit system. STAFF WAS DIRECTED TO:
(CLERK'S NOTE: For earlier discussion of Item 3.B.1. see Pages 2-3.) 3.B.1. a. CONCEPTUALLY APPROVE RENEWAL OF THE GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE CONTRACTS WITH BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD OF FLORIDA, INC., FOR A FULLY INSURED TRIPLE OPTION (HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION, POINT OF SERVICE AND PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION) PLAN FROM JANUARY 1, 1999, THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 1999, SUBJECT TO RECEIPT OF ACCEPTABLE FINAL RENEWAL FIGURES DUE SEPTEMBER 1, 1998. APPROVED WITH DIRECTION 7-14-98 b. CONCEPTUAL APPROVAL OF MINOR BENEFIT CHANGES IN THE HEALTH MAINTENANCE ORGANIZATION AND POINT OF SERVICE PLANS AND SUBSTANTIVE CHANGES TO THE PREFERRED PROVIDER ORGANIZATION PLAN. APPROVED WITH DIRECTION 7-14-98 Commissioner Aaronson said he favored conceptual approval of the contract renewal but requested further information regarding the rate increases. Commissioner Foster said he would not support the recommendations until further review. The Commissioner asked Dr. Richard Cassidy, who represented Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Florida's physician network, why so many physicians and medical groups left the health carrier's network and why the health carrier refused to pay for necessary physical therapy modalities. Dr. Cassidy stated that some physicians left the network due to the health carrier's non-affiliation with some hospitals. He also said that ever since the health carrier became federally qualified, the number of physical therapy visits were standardized throughout the health industry. (CLERK'S NOTE: Commissioner Newell left the meeting.) STAFF WAS DIRECTED TO:
UPON CALL FOR A VOTE, the motion carried 5-1. Commissioner Foster opposed. Commissioner Newell absent. (CLERK'S NOTE: Commissioner Newell rejoined the meeting.) WORKSHOP ITEMS 4. 9:30 A.M. - TREASURE COAST REGIONAL PLANNING COUNCIL. DISCUSSED WITH DIRECTION 7-14-98 Staff stated that Florida Statute 186 requires the County to be a member of the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC). TCRPC Executive Director Michael Busha gave a presentation on the Council's mission and objectives:
Commissioner Newell suggested TCRPC's involvement and assistance in the issues of annexation, low-income housing needs, concurrency for law enforcement needs and zoning for postal service locations. RECESS At 11:30 a.m., the Chair declared a recess. RECONVENE At 11:40 a.m., the Board reconvened with Commissioners Aaronson, Foster, Lee, McCarty, Marcus, Newell and Roberts present. 5. 10:30 A.M. - COUNTYWIDE COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION TEAM. DISCUSSED WITH DIRECTION 7-14-98 The Countywide Community Revitalization Team (CCRT) presented a progress report on its efforts in the Lake Worth Road corridor which included the following achievements:
The CCRT reported that it was not as successful in the annexation efforts of the Cinquez Park/Kennedy Estates areas within the Town of Jupiter due to deficiencies in Cinquez Park, such as non-existent infrastructure, unpaved roads and lack of water or sewer facilities which would require an estimated $884,615 expenditure. The following recommendations were based on CCRT's findings:
(CLERK'S NOTE: Commissioner Aaronson left the meeting.) Commissioner Marcus stated she would support the San Castle effort. She expressed concern over the status of the Limestone Creek project which was one of the first revitalization attempts and asked staff to expand the program to include other target areas. STAFF WAS DIRECTED TO:
Commissioner Marcus said she would support the first three recommendations of CCRT and asked to discuss the last recommendation pertaining to the alternative approaches for Cinquez Park and Kennedy Estates at a later date. MOTION to approve CCRT's recommendations to: (1) continue efforts in the Lake Worth Road corridor; (2) discontinue efforts in the Cinquez Park/Kennedy Estates and shift focus to San Castle; and (3) make the Lake Worth Road corridor and San Castle priority areas in the work program and budget planning. Motion by Commissioner Marcus, seconded by Commissioner Foster and carried 6-0. Commissioner Aaronson absent. 3.C.1. BOARD APPOINTMENTS a. APPOINTMENT OF EDGAR MCRAE TO REPLACE JAMES THORNTON ON THE WESTGATE/BELVEDERE HOMES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD. APPROVED 7-14-98 b. APPOINTMENT OF DANIEL PITTS TO REPLACE DONNA BARRY ON THE WESTGATE/BELVEDERE HOMES COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD. APPROVED 7-14-98 c. APPOINTMENT OF EDGAR MCRAE AS CHAIR AND R. MCDONALD AS SECRETARY/TREASURER ON THE WESTGATE/BELVEDERE HOMES COMMUNITY REDEVLOPMENT AGENCY BOARD. APPROVED 7-14-98 MOTION to approve the appointments. Motion by Commissioner Marcus, seconded by Commissioner Roberts and carried 6-0. Commissioner Aaronson absent. RECESS At 12:08 p.m., the Chair declared a recess. RECONVENE At 2:05 p.m., the Board reconvened with Commissioners Aaronson, Foster, Lee, Marcus, Newell and Roberts present. 6. DELETED 7. 2:00 P.M. - SCHOOL CONCURRENCY LEGISLATION. DISCUSSED WITH DIRECTION 7-14-98 Assistant County Attorney Barbara Alterman outlined the significant provisions of Senate Bill 2474 which provides for comprehensive plan and interlocal agreement requirements which must be adopted to establish a public school concurrency system. (CLERK'S NOTE: Commissioner McCarty joined, and Commissioner Foster left the meeting.) Ms. Alterman advised hiring an independent consultant to formulate the Comprehensive Plan changes with the help of an independent planner, attorney and financial advisor.
PUBLIC COMMENT: Dagmar Brahs; Michael Gelfand; Arnold Halperin; Diane K. Heinz; Robert Hochberg; Jeff Koons; Ronnie Loeb; Richard Radcliffe; Ira Sareson; Margaret Shooshani; Barry Silver; Jay Slavin; Carmela Starace; and Jeff Winikoft urged a conclusion to the school concurrency issue. The recommendations included:
School Board Chair Paulette Burdick agreed to the hiring of a consultant approved by the County, School Board and Municipal League and said she was certain the rest of the School Board would agree in sharing the expense. Commissioner Lee suggested that the Municipal League contribute in the cost of the hiring of a consultant. County Administrator Weisman proposed Leo Noble of Lawson, Noble & Webb as the consultant. STAFF WAS DIRECTED TO:
Commissioner Marcus stated that before she could approve the nomination of Leo Noble, she would like to see the rest of team which would assist Mr. Noble. MOTION to nominate Leo Noble as the consultant at the County's expense. Motion by Commissioner Newell and seconded by Commissioner McCarty. SUBSTITUTE MOTION to nominate Leo Noble as the consultant at the July 21, 1998, regular meeting, and make a decision on whether to approach the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council for funding. Motion by Commissioner Marcus, seconded by Commissioner Roberts and carried 6-0. Commissioner Foster absent. 8. ADJOURNMENT The Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. ATTESTED: APPROVED: Clerk Chairman |
