BCC Briefs

At the Dec. 6, 2011, Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Redistricting – tentatively approved a series of district boundary changes, including moving Phil Foster Park from District 1 to District 7. A final vote is set for Dec. 20.

Slot machines – preliminarily agreed to place a countywide referendum on the November 2012 ballot to allow slot machine gaming at licensed pari-mutuel facilities, such as the Palm Beach Kennel Club. Second and final reading is set for Dec. 20.

MSTUs – postponed to the Dec. 20 meeting preliminary reading and to advertise for public hearing amendments to the municipal services taxing unit (MSTU) special assessment ordinance.

Vehicles for hire – approved on preliminary reading and to advertise for public hearing on Dec. 20 a series of amendments to the county’s vehicle-for-hire ordinance. Changes would include the addition of a luxury sedan category and establishment of a special master enforcement process.

Okeechobee Boulevard – approved spending $225,000 for median beautification on Okeechobee Boulevard. The city of West Palm Beach will contribute $100,000, and FDOT will match the amounts. The city also agrees to maintain the medians.

Fire codes – approved on preliminary reading and to advertise for public hearing on Dec. 20 adoption of the updated Florida Fire Prevention Code.

Business Development Board – approved a five-year agreement with the Business Development Board (BDB) through Sept. 30, 2016, in the aggregate amount of $4.657 million, subject to annual potential adjustment and appropriation.

Economic Development – approved an Energy Efficiency Conservation Loan program agreement with Scientific Real Estate Holdings, LLC, of Riviera Beach in the amount of $240,000 for plant expansion and creation of 25 new full-time jobs. These are federal funds that require no local match.

County fund balance – received a county fund balance analysis report from the Clerk and Comptroller that contradicted a September 2011 TaxWatch special report.

Habitat for Humanity – approved the conveyance of two county-owned parcels totaling .33 acre in unincorporated Boynton Beach and Delray Beach to Habitat for Humanity of South Palm Beach County Community Housing and Land Trust, Inc.