CITY OF BOCA RATON ACTION AGENDA Update December 31, 2014

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1 CITY OF BOCA RATON ACTION AGENDA Update December 31, 2014

2 TOP PRIORITIES Public Safety Costs/Pension Sustainability Actions Contract negotiations with the police and fire unions are ongoing. Staff will implement Code changes and operational changes as necessary. /Financial Services Contract negations with the FOP and IAFF have concluded with agreements being drafted to be presented to the City Council. The agreements contain provisions that include cost savings and sustainable pension cost.. Development Process Improvement Plan Staff will evaluate the current process and review input from stakeholders. Appropriate code and procedural changes will be considered and implemented. Impacts of changes will be evaluated. Responsibility: Development Services On July 21, 2014, Staff presented potential options to the CRA and City Council to streamline and improve the development review and approval process and address possible changes to current practices both inside the Community Redevelopment Area and City-wide. Staff has executed an agreement with a consultant to revise and reformat the City s Zoning Code (Chapter 28). Staff anticipates meeting with the consultant in early 2015 to initiate the process. 2

3 Wildflower Development Staff will work with Hillstone on a revised site plan and negotiate a property lease. Once completed, a presentation will be made to Council for a final decision. A preliminary site plan labeled Houston s Restaurant was submitted to staff in November, Planning Advisory Review for this site plan is scheduled for early Staff is concurrently reviewing terms of the lease agreement and processing a Comprehensive Plan Future Land use Map Amendment and a Rezoning for the proposed restaurant. City Economic Development: Structure, Position and Process The City will hire an economic development manager to expand the City s economic development programs. A job listing is posted and applications are being accepted. 3

4 20 th Street Development and Overlay District After the City Council meets with FAU, staff will research and prepare suggestions regarding NW 20 th Street redevelopment plans Responsibility: Development Services FAU canceled the joint meeting scheduled for October, 2014 between FAU Board of Trustees and City Council. Staff is waiting for a rescheduled meeting in order to conduct discussions on the overall vision prior to beginning this project. Beach and Park District Strategy The City Council will meet with the Greater Boca Raton Beach & Park District, and staff will work to finalize an interlocal agreement. After multiple attempts by the City to schedule a joint meeting, we have asked that the Beach & Park District inform City staff when they are ready to meet. 4

5 HIGH PRIORITIES City Staffing and Level of Service As the economic conditions continue to improve, staffing levels will be reconsidered and recommendations for funding will be included in the budget where appropriate. /Financial Services The Building Division will recruit one (1) additional Structural Inspector to improve customer service and processing of applications. Staff continues to address workspace and staffing needs in response to the increase in development applications, permit submittals and code violations. The Information Technology Division is advertising for several new positions with the goal of streamlining City processes and increasing the use of technology. Staffing levels were judiciously examined for the FY 2015 Budget. As a result, the FY 2015 Budget includes an additional 37 positions. These positions will allow for enhance services, return to prior years service levels and add new services. Recruiting and hiring have begun for these new positions. Generally, it can take anywhere from three to six months to fill a position. 5

6 Florida Atlantic University Strategy Communications will be strengthened with Florida Atlantic University, a strategic partner with the City, through scheduling of an annual meeting of the Council and the Board of Trustees. Staff will continue to work with FAU staff on various issues including the Campus Master Plan, Campus Development Agreement, off-campus student housing, and the 20 th Street corridor. FAU canceled the joint meeting scheduled for October, 2014 between FAU Board of Trustees and City Council. Staff is waiting for a rescheduled meeting in order to conduct discussions on the various topics of concern to both entities. Annexations The evaluation of revenues and expenses associated with potential annexation areas will be updated for further consideration. The report will include analysis of City revenues and expenses, the impact on annexed property owners in terms of service and cost, and the long-term implications of annexation area service requirements on the City s budget and operations. After review, the impacts will be discussed with property owners in potential annexation areas. If Council s subsequent decision is to proceed, a formal report to Palm Beach County, notices, public meetings, and a vote in the annexation area(s) will be required. /Financial Services Financial projections need to be updated for areas identified as possible annexation targets. Revenue projections are based on the 2013 property tax values. While projections will continue to be updated with new property taxable values as they become available, no decision has been made to proceed with any of the potential annexation areas. 6

7 Downtown Parking Staff will continue to monitor the short term parking strategies implemented and research long term management solutions to parking concerns in the downtown including options for location, feasibility, and funding mechanisms. /Development Services Staff continues to monitor ongoing parking enforcement needs in the Downtown due to the influx of seasonal and new residents as well as ongoing construction with Downtown development projects (ie: Camden, The Mark at CityScape, Palmetto Promenade, Boca Lofts). Hospital and Medical Community Strategy The strategic partnership between the Hospital and the City will be maintained through open lines of communication, including an annual meeting of the Council and Board of Trustees. Staff will work with the Hospital on a master plan submittal. Staff received an updated Master Plan for Boca Regional Hospital on October 28, 2014 and is currently working with the Hospital to establish a master plan process for the Hospital. 7

8 Citizen Engagement Strategy and Action Plan Staff will research and evaluate best practices for citizen involvement in local government, identifying goals and desired outcomes. A report will be presented to Council for their consideration and direction. Staff is redesigning the City s website to allow easier use by viewers and to have content/information more easily updated by staff. 8