BCC Briefs

At the July 10, 2007 Board of County Commissioners meeting, the board took the following action:

Palm Tran – approved a series of fare increases for Palm Tran’s fixed-route and Connection services, and adjustments to ADA Complementary Paratransit Service. The changes take effect October 1, 2007.

Workforce Development – approved an interlocal agreement creating the Palm Beach Workforce Development Consortium.

Scripps Florida – accepted a donation in the amount of $2.95 million from the City of Palm Beach Gardens toward the purchase of and improvements to 70 acres of the Briger property where Phase Two of the Scripps Florida campus will be built.

Loxahatchee Groves – approved an interlocal agreement with the Town of Loxahatchee Groves to provide zoning review for applications filed within the town limits. The cost of services will be covered by surcharges paid by applicants. There is no cost to the County and no additional County staff required.

Public Lands – approved 15 recommended projects to remove invasive non-native vegetation from publicly-owned properties; total cost is $434,000 to be paid for by Public Lands Grant Program funds.

Natural Areas – approved funding agreements in the amounts of $1.54 million and $1.05 million with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for restoration of the Loxahatchee Slough Natural Area and Winding Waters Natural Area.

Chain of Lakes Restoration – awarded a contract in the amount of $2 million to American Earth Movers Inc. for restoration and enhancement of a 51-acre wetlands section of John Prince Park known as Square Lake/East Slough. Two state grants will reimburse the County $1.2 million.

Reclaimed Water – awarded a contract in the amount of $538,000 to AKA Services Inc. to extend PBC Water Utilities pipes from Century Village to Cypress Lakes to provide up to 700,000 gallons of reclaimed water per day. The South Florida Water Management District has been asked to cover 40 percent of the cost.

Water Usage – agreed to schedule a meeting with the South Florida Water Management District to discuss ongoing water restrictions and other water resource issues.