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2004.03.02_TC_Minutes_Regular• TOWN OF HIGHLAND MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, March 2, 2004 1:30 P.M. Mayor Thomas J. Reid called the Regular Meeting to order in Commission Chambers at 1:30 P.M. Town Clerk Doris Trinley called the roll. The Mayor, Vice Mayor Michael W. Hill, and Commissioners John J. Sorrelli, Robert L. Lowe and Rachael Scala-Pistone were present. Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney and Town Manager Ben Saag were also present, as were members of the general public. After roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance was given. 1. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA • Before addressing the Agenda, Mayor Reid noted the following: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REPRESENTATIVES TO ADDRESS QUESTIONS RE A1A PROJECT DOT representatives Morteza Alian and Eric Padrone were present to address concerns regarding their recently completed project on A1A. Chief among the issues were lack of proper drainage, temporary striping, flashing lights at pedestrian crossings, the contractor's rush to finish the project in order to collect a bonus from DOT, and sand washing down into the bike paths during heavy rain. Substantial discussion took place, with Messrs. Alian and Padrone acknowledging certain of the concerns and advising that a punch list of problem areas is ready to be addressed. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Joseph Asselta, Casuarina, suggested the Police Chief look into Homeland Security grants that are available to the Department. Jean Ellis, 4205 S. Ocean Blvd., had several comments, i.e., since mangroves are the start of the marine food chain, mangrove areas should be kept clean and in a flushable mode; complimented the idea of the Town possibly purchasing open space; and was advised that caution signs pertaining to ocean swimming had been posted by many • condominiums. • Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting March 2, 2004 Page 2 of 6 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS (Continued(continued) Mike Marino, Seagate, asked fora "No Wake" zone on the Intracoastal. He was advised by Town Manager Saag that the Town had made many attempts to secure this zone, which so far have been denied, and also of the reason why, i.e., documented accidents. Mr. Saag also advised that neither Boca Raton nor Delray Beach were interested in joining forces in this regard. Ralph Little, Casuarina, took exception to campaigners for Asselta/Yucht being directed by Police to move from in front of Casuarina Condominium, which is located just north of St. Lucy's, because the Bishop was due to arrive at the Church. Leonard Bell, Villa Magna, referred to an unpleasant incident he remembered regarding one of the candidates; he did not name the person. , 3. PRESENTATIONS NONE. • 4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES A) BOARD CORRESPONDENCE: NONE. B) BOARD VACANCIES: Two (2) on Board of Adjustment. Upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER LOWE/COMMISSIONER SORRELLI, followed by unanimous favorable vote, Jack Halpern was appointed to a three year term on the Board of Adjustment. It was the consensus to hold the other vacancy open. The following was noted as information: No vacancies for the month of March. Vacancies for the month of April: .Board of Adjustment: Joseph Sarubbi and Rosalind Gatewood (both eligible for reappointment). .Planning Board: Harold Hagelmann (term completed). .Code Enforcement Board: Dean Luce (term completed), Andrew Guglielmo (resigned). • Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting March 2. 2004 Page 3 of 6 4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES (continued) C) BOARD ACTION REPORT Mayor Reid read the BAR for the month of February into the record. D) MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS: The Mayor also read the scheduled meetings for the month of March into the record: Planning Board Regular - 3/10/04. Board of Adjustment -None Scheduled. Code Enforcement Board -None Scheduled. Financial Advisory Board -None Scheduled. Building Fee Ad Hoc - 3/1/04 - 2:00 P.M. Public Safety Advisory - 3/8/04 - 9:00 A.M. Beaches Advisory - 3/9/04 - 9:30 A.M. • 5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 699, WHICH APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2002-2003, WHICH BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2002 AND ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003. (first reading 2/3/04; published 2/20/04/ final reading.) There was no discussion and, upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/VICE MAYOR HILL, the ordinance was adopted on unanimous favorable roll call vote. A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND FLORIDA SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED CHANGE IN REGULATION OF BRIDGE OPENINGS CONTAINED IN CGD07-04-010. There was no discussion and, upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER LOWE/COMMISSIONER SORRELLI, the resolution was adopted on unanimous roll call vote. 6. NEW BUSINESS NONE. • • Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting March 2 2004 Page 4 of 6 7. MISCELLANEOUS -ITEMS LEFT OVER (1) MINUTES FOR APPROVAL The following sets of Minutes were unanimously approved upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER LOWE: JANUARY 27, 2004 -WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 3, 2004 -REGULAR MEETING 2) CONSIDER BUDGET AMENDMENT TO REASSIGN LANDSCAPE ISLANDS AND STREET SIGNAGE FROM OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION TO GENERAL FUND RESERVE. Having been discussed at length at the February 24 Workshop, this issue was voted by roll call upon MOTION by VICE MAYOR HILL/COMMISSIONER SORRELLI as follows: Commissioner Lowe - No Commissioner Scala-Pistone -Yes • Commissioner Sorrelli -Yes Vice Mayor Hill -Yes Mayor Reid -Yes 3) CONSIDER SURVEY TO RESIDENTS/LETTER TO LAND OWNERS RE OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION. Following substantial discussion, MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER LOWE to table this issue. The Motion was followed by unanimous roll call vote. 4) DISCUSSION RE SCHEDULING AMCO/SIEMENS PUBLIC HEARING. Following lengthy discussion, including the possibility of an Executive Session before and after the Public Hearing, MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER LOWE/COMMISSIONER SORRELLI, that the Public Hearing be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. Because a large turnout is expected, Mayor Reid offered to see if the St. Lucy Parish Hall was available, and also look into securing a videographer. 8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION • Commissioner Rachael Scala-Pistone expressed disappointment with Leonard Bell's remarks. She also noted the successful Candidates' Night on March 1. • Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting March 2. 2004 Page 5 of 6 8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION (continued) Commissioner Robert L. Lowe noted this was Vice Mayor Hill's last Commission meeting (term limited out); he wished him well and said he had enjoyed working with him. Commissioner John J. Sorrelli requested Police Chief Anthony Cervasio explain the process of the Department's follow-up on a burglary. The Chief spoke briefly; then Officers Richard Carl and Robert Gorman advised of the routine steps taken, answering questions to the Commissioner's satisfaction. Vice Mayor Michael W. Hill .thanked his colleagues for their cooperation during his tenure, saying they had made his work with them very interesting. Mayor Thomas J. Reid noted that he had been challenged In the recent past about a person's right to speak, and said he did believe that Leonard Bell had the right to make his comments. 9. REPORTS -TOWN ATTORNEY Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney wished Vice Mayor Hill well, saying he had enjoyed working with him. 8. REPORTS -TOWN MANAGER THURSDAY, MARCH 4, 2004, 5:00-7:00 P.M. MEETING WITH SHALLOWAY ENGINEERING RE RECLAIMING/REPAYING OF SIDE STREETS Town Manager Ben Saag noted the above-referenced meeting. Mr. Saag also said he had enjoyed working with the Vice Mayor and wished him well. 11. CONSENT AGENDA NONE. 12. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO ITEMS DISCUSSED AT MEETING Joseph Asselta, Casuarina, congratulated Vice Mayor Hill on the fine work he had done during his tenure. • Donald Ross, Ambassador East, suggested that the Town purchase of land for Open Space and Recreation, and having volunteers maintain it. Minutes of Town Commission Meeting March 2. 2004 Page 6 of 6 • 12. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO ITEMS DISCUSSED AT MEETING (continued) Felix Goldenson, Seagate, noted he did not agree with Commissioner Scala-Pistone regarding Leonard Bell's comments; he said he was present during the incident Mr. Bell referred to and his remarks were factual. Mr. Goldenson also referred to the organization of which two candidates were members and said, in his opinion, did not think this boded well for the Town. Joseph Yucht, Boca Hi, thanked the Commission for allowing the Candidates' Night Forum, and also allowing it to be televised. He further disagreed with Mr. Goldenson's remarks. Judi Asselta, Casuarina, noted Leonard Bell had taken her aside when the "Committee for the Preservation of Integrity of Highland Beach" was formed, to tell her that he and others sitting on the Commission today, had atone time formed the "Concerned Citizens of Highland Beach" because they did not like the direction the Town was taking. Mrs. Asselta said there was nothing sinister about the Committee; they stand for "Integrity," bringing issues facing the Commission to the Town residents. Before addressing Adjournment, Mayor Reid presented both Vice Mayor Hill and Commissioner Sorrelli with plaques recognizing their dedication and service to the Town. 13. ADJOURNMENT Their being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Reid adjourned the Regular Meeting at 4:24 P.M., upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER LOWE/COMMISSIONER SORRELLI. dmt APPROVE: -Term Expired- Thomas J. Rei ,Mayor Michael W. Hill, Vice Mayor --- ~..% -Term Expired- ~~'"~"~~~~ -• - r'" -- _ ,.~ -~-~ John J. Sorrelli, Commissione obert L. Lowe, Com issioner, ---- ~- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~,~_~ • Attest: ~'-~ ~'~ - ~ ~e Date: ~~~' y Rachael Scala-Pistone, Commissioner