City of Coconut Creek City Commission Minutes Meeting No. 2004-41
	Date:   December 9, 2004 Time:   5:30 p.m.
	Kind:  Workshop
	4800 West Copans Road, Coconut Creek, Florida, 33063

Tape 1

1.         Mayor Sarbone called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.

2.         Present upon roll call:

                                    Mayor Lou Sarbone

                                    Vice Mayor Marilyn Gerber

                                    Commissioner Becky Tooley

                                    Commissioner Sam Goldsmith

                                    Commissioner Jim Waldman

                                    City Manager John Kelly

                                    City Attorney Paul Stuart

                                    City Clerk Barbara Price 

Also present were:  Deputy City Manager Dave Rivera, Assistant City Manager Mary Blasi, Director of Development Services Sheila Rose, Planning & Zoning Manager Scott Stoudenmire, and MainStreet Coordinator Jim Hetzel.

3.         Presentation on Proposed Coconut Creek Casino

Awaiting the arrival of Jim Allen, CEO of the Gaming Division of the Seminole Tribe, Coconut Creek Casino Manager Steve Bonner began a presentation on the proposed  Coconut Creek Casino expansion.  He explained that this would be a two-phase process with Phase 1 being the Expansion and Project Master Plan. Referring to several graphics that were displayed, Mr. Bonner described the Marketplace Floor Plan, a restaurant facility to be located east of the current building.  He anticipated construction to begin sometime in the Spring, probably late April.  Upon his arrival, Jim Allen continued the presentation and related his extensive background in hotel/restaurant/gaming development and management.   Mr. Allen advised of the development of a Master Plan that would take the Casino to its next level of development.  He added that the Tribe had adopted a resolution providing for adherence to any local and state building codes.  The review of several graphics continued with the Overall 3D Mass Model, which would incorporate the MainStreet concept, the Master First Floor Plan, and the Master Second Floor Plan. Graphics showing the view from the main entry road, view of the porte cochere, view of entry of porte cochere, view of bar lounge, view of marketplace food display stations, and view of marketplace buffet were briefly discussed.  Building materials and planned décor were described as being of premium quality.   Mr. Allen stated that Phase I was expected to be completed by October of 2005.  It was confirmed that this facility would not be a Hard Rock restaurant.  The presentation was concluded and Commission comment ensued.

Vice Mayor Gerber, who related that she was impressed with the Hollywood facility, asked how these plans would fit in with the City’s environment, including green (LEEDS) standards and sustainability issues.   Mr. Bonner indicated that they would work with the City in this regard.     

Commissioner Goldsmith related that he was impressed with noise abatement at the Hollywood facility and questioned if something similar was planned for this project.  Mr. Allen answered affirmatively. 

Commissioner Tooley asked if there were plans to acquire more land and Mr. Allen indicated not at this time.

Commissioner Waldman expressed concern regarding traffic, particularly with Phase 2.  Mr. Bonner stated that the firm of Keith & Schnars would be working on a long-range traffic study.  The Commissioner stated that his biggest concern was the project’s impact on the City and he felt that traffic would be its biggest obstacle.

The Mayor expressed concern regarding compliance with building codes and asked if this would be a no-smoking facility. 

The public was given opportunity to comment.

Property owner Earl Johns questioned if the Tribe had acquired all of the land needed for the project.

The Vice Mayor asked if open parking lots were planned and was advised that a parking structure was planned. 

Commissioner Waldman asked Director of Development Services Sheila Rose regarding the moratorium.  Ms. Rose stated that during the first phase, the project would go through the site plan process and, in this case, it would come before the City Commission.  Also, during Phase 1, major construction plans would be processed.

Commissioner Waldman asked regarding the timing of the Commerce Center of Coconut Creek DRI and Mr. Stuart noted that recently the DRI expiration had been extended to October 1, 2006.

Earl Johns asked regarding the location of the main entrance.  Mr. Allen stated that it would be on N.W. 40^th Street; however, they would be receptive to looking at Sample Road as a main or secondary entrance.

There were no further questions or comments and the discussion was concluded.

4.                  Requested Fine Reduction regarding Coral Lake Mobile Park

Mr. Stuart advised that the approximate amount of $474,000 was an obligation for a code enforcement fine owned by Coral Lake Mobile Home Park.  A proposal for settlement of this issue had been received by the City and will be discussed at the Commission meeting immediately following the workshop.

Commissioner Goldsmith asked regarding the trust fund required by the State and if the owners would make any contributions to the fund when the Park was sold.  Mr. Stuart stated that the amount for the parks residents was approximately $600,000.

Brief discussion ensued and was concluded to begin the regular Commission meeting.

5.                  ADJOURNMENT      

            The meeting adjourned at 6:58 p.m.

Barbara S. Price, CMC

City Clerk