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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 04-17-2007 SpecialCITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING CITY HALL ANNEX 111 Polk Avenue, Cape Canaveral, Florida TUESDAY April 17, 2007 5:30 PM MINUTES CALL TO ORDER The Chair called the meeting to order at 5:30 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: Council Members Present: Mayor Pro Tern Council Member Council Member Mayor Council Member Others Present: City Manager City Attorney City Clerk City Treasurer Building Official Public Works Director DISCUSSION: Bob Hoog Leo Nicholas Buzz Petsos Rocky Randels Shannon Roberts Bennett Boucher Anthony Garganese Susan Stills Andrea Bowers Todd Morley Ed Gardulski 1. City Hall and Law Enforcement Facilities Plan - Architects Design Group Mr. Boucher explained how Kevin Ratigan and Susan Gantt of Architects Design Group would present different proposals related to Council's suggestions at a previous meeting and use the current properties for a campus plan. Mr. Ratigan explained how he and Ms. Gantt met with the City Manager and walked the site and then prepared this presentation. Ms. Gantt also met with staff and went through some of the conclusions. Council was given a handout of what was reviewed with staff. Afterward they took into consideration some of staffs concerns which Council just received at this meeting. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting w /ADG April 17, 2007 Page 2 of 7 Mr. Ratigan outlined the agenda as to briefly discuss the methodology, some of the on site issues, the site analysis and community concepts, and then some specific alternatives which would result in the recommended Master Plan concepts. He welcomed the Council's input during the discussion. Ms. Roberts mentioned that at a previous meeting she had asked to develop some assumptions for a common page before discussion. Mr. Ratigan responded that the development issues were the assumptions. Ms. Roberts explained that she was looking to begin with those assumptions such as purchasing Carver's Cove, the Kabboord properties, or establishing the major campus, and the staffing requirements. Mr. Ratigan explained how the methodology was a (3) phase process; Phase I was the actual space needs assessment, the second Phase to design the facility, the third Phase was construction. Mr. Ratigan stated that the firm was in the second Phase at this time. He explained that during the Space Needs Assessment the previous meeting's directive was to meet with staff and provide specifics on how much area existed. With that was the basis for developing the Master Plan alternatives. Mr. Ratigan stated that Option A would provide a new City Hall and Police Facility with associated parking with reinforced existing site amenities such as Veterans Park, the Library, and Recreational area. Option B would provide for a new City Hall and associated parking but consider Law Enforcement off -site. Option C, similar to Option A, would provide full compliance of parking and look at the whole site including Recreation. The firm attempted to address just City Hall, City Hall with the Police, and finally the whole complex. Mr. Ratigan stated that at the last meeting Council decided to keep Fire Station No. 53 at its existing location; therefore, Fire Station No. 53 was eliminated from the concept. He explained how the 7 acre parcel and a 1.15 acre parcel to the north of City Hall was what the City Manager had them to review. Mr. Ratigan reported that the existing City Hall and Law Enforcement space is 11,700 square feet, and the projections are 31,437 square feet. Mr. Randels noted the development issues with the 7 acre site: 1) provide adequate spatial opportunities for City Hall and the Sheriffs Office, 2) retain the Library and Recreation uses, 3) retain Veterans Park, 4) reinforce the civic presence, 5) and create an identity for a municipal complex which would create a town center aesthetic to the municipal complex, 6) create visual identity on State Road A1A, 7) enhance City services to the public, 8) minimize the cost of improvements facing considerations so that the existing building would not need to be demolished, 9) relocate staff, 10) build the new facility and relocate staff again, 11) look at the existing utilities, 12) the development should occur within the three block area, 13) there is a requirement to leave an out -parcel on State Road A1A, and 14) accommodate the zoning, building code, and regulations to include the parking and setbacks. Mayor Randels referenced that the second bullet under Development Issues would leave the Library and Recreation uses untouched. Mr. Ratigan affirmed that those changes were included. He stated that even though the Library was untouched the firm reviewed the site area around it and the parking was amended. Parking was one of the essentials of the plan in order to maintain the City Land Development Code. Mr. Ratigan pointed out City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting w /ADG April 17, 2007 Page 3 of 7 the areas of City Hall, City Hall Annex, the Library, the Recreation Complex to include the five tennis courts, racquetball courts and shuffleboard courts. These facilities quantify the 7 acre land area: City Hall at approximately 3,200 square feet; City Hall Annex at 8,200 square feet; the Library at 16,800 square feet; and the Recreation building at 5,000 square feet and then the racquetball courts. He informed that the firm used the City's land development code in relation to each building use for parking. Ms. Roberts stated that she would like to see the staff analysis such as the current number of people in each use. Mr. Ratigan replied that the staff analysis was included in the Space Needs Analysis. He affirmed to Ms. Roberts that the existing staff number was not quantified in that fashion. The firm did not break out the number of staff, there was just the position assigned to staff. Ms. Roberts also asked if the firm assessed the number of the public based on what the City currently has relative to what Council proposes depending on new suggestions. Mr. Ratigan responded that the City would receive a Master Plan at the conclusion of this Phase once consensus was reached and subsequently, the Space Needs Analysis and accurate development costs associated with it. Ms. Gantt reported that one of the things done was to identify the existing square footage used by department and the number of existing parking spaces. Ms. Roberts replied that she was addressing the discussion from a Human Resources perspective and she needed a staff analysis as well as the community served in terms of facilities use relative to the projected facilities. Mr. Ratigan stated that what she anticipated would be provided in the Executive Summary. Mr. Ratigan stated that in terms of the zoning there were really two different zoning districts that occurred around the site: adjacent residential R -2 and adjacent commercial C-1; City Hall, C -1, the Library R -2, and the Recreation site, C -1. He questioned if the Library were a non - conforming use. Mayor Randels replied that the C-1 area ends at Poinsetta Avenue. Mr. Ratigan was confirmed that the Library was a conforming use. Mr. Ratigan explained how the investment that the City planned to make in the Municipal complex has to be a catalyst for reinforcing and influencing redevelopment in the area and the zoning was important. He explained the Municipal Complex would create a town center aesthetic. Mr. Ratigan pointed out in the Environmental Influences how the City established pieces through the City's parks and it new banners. He stated that every community is unique and the City has been influenced by the Port and the Space Center. Mr. Ratigan noted that Cape Canaveral should not use some place such as Palm Beach as a model since it already had an identity in more regional things. Mr. Ratigan pointed out how City Hall was in the approximate center of the campus plan. He explained how a series of massive studies showed the scale relationship between buildings to site and buildings to neighborhood. This was the firm's manner to display how the pieces would interact. Ms. Roberts recommended adding street identification before presenting this plan to the public. Mr. Ratigan responded that this meeting would provide more focus before presenting the project to the public. Mr. Ratigan explained the need for stronger architectural connections from one facility to another. He explained further how the plan City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting w /ADG April 17, 2007 Page 4 of 7 developed into what the firm called, "The Esplanade" that connected the site in an east - west direction. Mr. Ratigan said that parking being an issue the existing City Hall area required 117 parking spaces and currently has 118 therefore it was in compliance with the zoning. Option A with a total build -out of 55,298 square feet and would require 198 parking spaces and they provided 163; therefore, it did not meet the objective. Option B would provide 199 and met the objective and Option C provided 200 parking spaces and also met the objective. Mr. Petsos questioned the 57,000 square foot figure to which Mr. Ratigan replied that the square footage in question included the Library. Mr. Ratigan affirmed to Ms. Roberts that these assumptions did not include the Carver's Cove or the Kabboord properties. Mr. Ratigan showed how the development of the Esplanade and the outdoor room which connected to the Municipal Complex and creates another north -south access. In the space between they envisioned Administrative functions and the Council Assembly Chambers with a breeze -way or some transparent space that connects them. In order to get closer to parking, they considered the Recreation site and they proposed to eliminate the tennis courts and relocate them and racquetball courts would be re -built with additional storage. Option B would take the property to the north, placing Law Enforcement there, creating a larger interior parking space and leave the Recreation facility virtually untouched. They believed the Esplanade, would provide for a civic icon such as a clock tower, or a message board or State Road A1A would attract the public as well as connecting it to Veterans Park and start to create a town center aesthetic. The idea would also connect to what could be an enhanced commercial activity. He suggested rezoning to extend the commercial activity to the edges of the site. The main attribute of this Option was that it did not touch the Recreation complex. Mayor Randels clarified that this Option would include the Kabboord property. Mr. Ratigan explained how Option C would gain all of the parking; however, it would eliminate one tennis court, the shuffleboard court and would require re- building the racquetball court. Mayor Randels did not feel that this was a good option in that it might not develop the highest and best use of the land by creating parking. Mr. Ratigan presented a visual model to show how the facilities would look using Options A, B, and then C. Mr. Ratigan explained how Option A would require removal of the property storage piece from the Sheriffs Office; however, staff would not need relocation. This concept began the progression of impacting the Recreation area. In Option B, that restraint was gone completely. Ms. Roberts questioned that the existing footprint showed the main City Hall closer to State Road A1A and one of her perceptions was to still have the visibility of the main complex off State Road Al and the concept present, showed it farther away. Mr. City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting w /ADG April 17, 2007 Page 5 of 7 Ratigan explained how the proposed clock tower icon would provide a presence on State Road A1A. He explained that the existing City Hall would require demolition and relocate staff in order to obtain that site. Mr. Ratigan displayed Site Enhancement photos and explained how the firm was attempting to create a civic room between the Library and City Hall with an opportunity to stage Farmer's Markets, Art Festivals, and community activities; however, placing a building closer to State Road A1A would split up the facilities and would not lend itself to the civic presence. Ms. Roberts asked for clarification if this would cut off Poinsetta Avenue. Ms. Roberts advised that the firm would want to make the public aware of this intent. Mr. Ratigan referred to the Site Master Plan Development Options costs for the New Buildings, Site Improvement and any additional costs for Options A, B, and C. Mayor Pro Tern Hoog asked how much of the Recreation area would change with Option B. Ms. Gantt and Mr. Ratigan affirmed that it would not. Mayor Randels cautioned that if the City had to close its Recreation facility for a length of time, people would then find leisure activities in other places; therefore, he did not see Option A as the best option. Mr. Petsos asked if the firm had considered closing the road at the Recreation area for more parking. Mr. Ratigan showed how they attempted to add parking along the street on Taylor Avenue; however, they concluded that it was better to close Poinsetta Avenue. Mr. Petsos stated that there were two entrances and exits from Polk and Taylor Avenues. Mayor Randels pointed out that closing Taylor Avenue would prohibit drop -off to the Recreation Center. Mr. Petsos said that he was suggesting leaving the 100 block for ingress from State Road A1A but adding needed parking. Mr. Ratigan informed that Option A had the most parking. Mr. Petsos clarified that Option A had the most parking; however, that included the Kabboord property. He was making parking suggestions that did not include the Kabboord property. Mr. Ratigan reported a cost of $4.8 million to the Kabboord property development for Law Enforcement. Ms. Roberts questioned if the Stottler, Stagg property was considered. Council members clarified that they had directed Mr. Ratigan to remain in the existing area and he had actually gone beyond that point by including the Kabboord property. Mr. Ratigan pointed to Option C; however, this would impact the Recreation area. Council members noted the need to review all of the options even that of using some of the Recreation Department. Mr. Ratigan replied to Mayor Pro Tern Hoog that Option C would include one of the tennis courts. Mr. Harry Pearson, speaking as a Library Board Member, pointed out how people can park at the Library and Option B would lose some of the parking privilege and that would inconvenience Library patrons. He stated that close access to the Library was still needed. Mayor Randels pointed out 28 additional parking spaces would occur along the street side. Mayor Pro Tern Hoog noted that Option B would eliminate parking on the west City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting w /ADG April 17, 2007 Page 6 of 7 side of the Library. Mr. Ratigan replied to Mayor Pro Tern Hoog that Option B meets all the parking requirements. Mayor Pro Tern Hoog expressed his favor with the promenade. Mayor Randels reminded of a successful Wednesday- Friends day held at the Library and parking did not appear to be a problem. Mayor Randels explained that Option B would enable the City to conveniently transition the Police Department and phase the project construction. Mayor Pro Tern Hoog and Mr. Petsos both agreed to the need to perform the project in phases. Mr. Petsos pointed out that the City was not aware of its revenue sources at this time due to the State property tax issue. Mayor Randels summarized that taking in the Kabboord property during planning was beneficial. Ms. Roberts affirmed to Mayor Randels that she desired to have the building closer to State Road A1A. Mayor Pro Tern Hoog suggested transferring City Hall to the Police Department to accommodate the process. Mr. Petsos noted that the Esplanade, or walkway/ pathway would attract people to the buildings with an attractive walkway from State Road A1A. Mr. Ratigan emphasized the intent to create a civic presence. Mayor Randels reviewed some of the possibilities and the intent to not interrupt operations during the construction process. Ms. Roberts stated that she had suggested to have City Hall staff move to the Annex during construction while construction occurred closer to State Road A1A. Ms. Roberts expressed that there might be options for the parking issue and maybe make the campus larger. Mr. Petsos expressed concern with forcing the parking in the middle of the plan if they move forward. Ms. Roberts explained her thought to move the new building forward toward State Road A1A and this would provide additional green space in the middle and then find replacement parking in another location. Mr. Petsos pointed out concern with the loss of the Xeriscape Park. Ms. Gantt stated how trade -offs were necessary in order not to utilize the Recreation Center or Veterans Memorial Park. Mayor Randels reminded of the proposed angle parking on Taylor Avenue in order to retain the Xeriscape Park. He stated his discomfort with closing off Taylor Avenue. Mayor Pro Tern Hoog asked how many spaces were comprised using the Xeriscape Park. Ms. Gantt replied 64 in the total area of new spaces. She concluded that parking became the constraint in the layout process. Mayor Randels referred to an older drawing that depicted Xeriscape Park and showed how 21 parking spaces were created angled on one side of Taylor Avenue. Discussion concluded that the entrance was proposed from Poinsetta Avenue. Mr. Ratigan expressed that the firm could review what could be gained from the Mayor's last suggestion. Mayor Pro Tern Hoog stated that he would prefer to do this than to use the Xeriscape Park. Mr. Ratigan brought out a shared parking agreement with the United Agencies Building. The Building Official pointed out that the owner's dumpster was located in the northeast comer of his parking lot. Mr. Ratigan pointed out the plan's viability. Ms. Roberts asked if the firm would move forward with the City Hall and to retain the Xeriscape Park with a shared use parking agreement with the United Agencies Building. Mr. Ratigan summarized that the subsequent Council meeting would establish if the City would purchase the Kabboord property. After that meeting, if the direction was to review some variations on Option B, then they would review the Council's suggestions and City of Cape Canaveral, Florida City Council Workshop Meeting w /ADG April 17, 2007 Page 7 of 7 take these into consideration and develop a refined plan. Mr. Ratigan pointed out that the clock tower as a landmark would enhance the municipal complex and they would like to retain that aspect. Ms. Roberts mentioned using a replica shuttle instead of a clock tower. Mr. Petsos agreed that a model shuttle was the City's landmark. Mayor Randels pointed out the security feature at the proposed Sheriffs Office if the building were closer to State Road A1A. Mr. Petsos clarified on the cost of $12 million plus for Option B and clarified the $4.8 million portion that was separated from the total cost for the Sheriffs Office. Mr. Ratigan concluded that the firm would like to create a phasing plan reviewing these issues and placing dollar figures to the phases. He said that developing Polk Avenue first provide the main element. Mr. Boucher requested that the firm leave their model for additional consideration. Mayor Randels thanked Mr. Ratigan and Ms. Gantt for the presentation. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business the Chair adjourned the meeting at 6:45 P,M. Rocky Randel , MAYOR Susan Stf0s, C C, CITY CLERK