2004.06.29_TC_Minutes_WorkshopTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
WORKSHOP
Tuesday. June 29. 2004 1.30 P M
Mayor Thomas J. Reid called the Workshop to order in Commission Chambers at 1:30
P.M.
Town Clerk Doris Trinley called the roll. The Mayor, Vice Mayor Joseph J. Asselta, and
Commissioners Robert L. Lowe, Rachael Scala-Pistone and Miriam S. Zwick 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
Town Manager Ben Saag requested the Agenda be amended in order that Amendments
#1 and #2 to the Gas Tax Interlocal Agreement (May 1995) could be considered for
approval at the July 6 Regular Meeting. Mr.Saag advised the amendments ensured
equitable distribution of gas tax revenues among municipalities and the County. With no
objection, the Agenda was accepted as amended.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Stephen Golding, Highland Beach Drive, commented that no action had been taken on
Ocean Cove developer Jeff Norman's assurance that two (2) docks would be moved to
the north of the project. Town Attorney Sliney replied he had recent correspondence
from Mr. Norman's attorney, Jeffrey Levine, that Mr. Norman was working through the
process with pertinent agencies to accomplish moving of the docks.
Turtle Coordinator Jose Echeverria, Russell Drive, gave an update on the season thus
far.
3. PRESENTATIONS
NONE.
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• June 29, 2004 Page 2 of 6
4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
A) BOARD CORRESPONDENCE: BEACHES & SHORESADVISORY BOARD
RECOMMENDATION RE LAND ACQUISITION.
Substantial discussion took place, largely about Fire/Rescue access to the beach in an
emergency situation. It was agreed that the Town Manager invite Kerry Koen to the July
6 Regular Meeting to discuss this factor.
B) BOARD VACANCIES: ONE (1) ON CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD.
C) BOARD ACTION REPORT: NONE.
D) MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS: PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED.
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
(1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 5, BEACHES AND BOATS, BY CREATING SECTION 5.9
ENTITLED "BEACH RAKERS." (first reading 6/1; published 6/17)
• Having been previously discussed, this proposed ordinance will be considered for
approval at the July 6 Regular Meeting.
(2) A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, OPPOSING THE
STRONG MAYOR INITIATIVE FOR PALM BEACH COUNTY; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEALER; PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Saag explained this proposed resolution, saying there has been a movement to have
a County Mayor, rather than the County Administrator; however, if enacted, this would
put excessive power in the hands of one person. It was moved to the July 6 Regular
Meeting for further consideration.
(3) A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN AND
BEACH, FLORIDA, COMMITTING TO COMPLY WITH MINIMUM
FIRE-RESCUE LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS.
This proposed resolution mirrored verbatim the resolution adopted by the City of Delray
Beach, with whom the Town contracts for Fire/Rescue service. It was moved to the
July 6 Regular Meeting for further approval.
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• June 29. 2004 Page 3 of 6
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
(4) A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF ITS
GENERAL OBLIGATION PROMISSORY NOTE, SERIES 20048, IN THE
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $2,000,000, TO PROVIDE FUNDS FOR
THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW LIBRARY FACILITY AND COSTS RELATED
THERETO; PROVIDING THAT SUCH NOTE SHALL BE A GENERAL
OBLIGATION OF THE TOWN AND SHALL BE PAYABLE FROM THE AD
VALOREM REVENUES OF THE TOWN; PRESCRIBING THE FORM, TERMS
AND DETAILS OF THE NOTE; AWARDING THE NOTE TO BANK OF AMERICA,
N.A. BY NEGOTIATED SALE; APPROVING THE FORM OF A LOAN
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN AND BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.; MAKING
CERTAIN COVENANTS AND AGREEMENTS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH;
PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
This proposed resolution pertains to the bond issue, already approved by referendum,
for the construction of a new library. It will be considered for approval at the July 6
Regular Meeting.
• 6. NEW BUSINESS
(1) SETTLEMENT: INSURANCE CLAIM REGARDING POLICE
DEPARTMENT COMPLAINT.
Mr. Saag explained that, of the two (2) officers involved in this dispute, one is no longer
with the Town and the other is deceased; Mr. Saag further advised the Town would only
be responsible for the insurance deductible ($5,000) to settle. It was the consensus to
forward the issue to the July 6 Consent Agenda. (Copy of correspondence attached to
and made part of these Minutes.)
(2) DISCUSSION RE: - RENEWAL OF CONTRACT WITH WASTE
MANAGEMENT FOR SANITATION.
Sanitation liaison Tim Hunt advised it would be in the Town's best interest to approve
what was an extension of contract, as pointed out by Commissioner Lowe, not a renewal
of contract. Mr. Hunt backed his presentation with rate comparables and, after some
discussion, the issue was moved to the July 6 Regular Meeting Consent Agenda.
(Correspondence attached to and made part of these Minutes.)
•
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• June 29. 2004 Page 4 of 6
6. NEW BUSINESS (continued)
3. DISCUSSION RE: -RECRUITMENT OF NEW TOWN MANAGER.
As Town Manager Saag is leaving the Town's employ to become the Assistant Manager
of the Town of Jupiter, he introduced Colin Baenziger and recommended the
Commission use Mr. Baenziger's firm to do the search for a new manager. Extremely
familiar with Palm Beach County, Mr. Baenziger gave background information on his firm
and advised how he would go about such a search, the cost of which would be $9,500.
After some discussion, this item was forwarded to the July 6 Regular Meeting Consent
Agenda. (Information attached to and made part of these Minutes.
Discussion regarding the hiring of an Interim Manager took place on the basis of Mr.
Saag's memo (Copy attached to and made part of these Minutes), concluding which it
was the consensus that the Jim Witt, a Human Resources Manager who had expressed
interest, the Town Clerk, and at least two (2) candidates whom Mr. Saag might find
willing and qualified, be interviewed just prior to the July 6 Regular Meeting.
7. MISCELLANEOUS -ITEMS LEFT OVER
(1) DISCUSSION RE: - RECOMMENDATIONS OF BUILDING AD HOC
COMMITTEE.
(2) DISCUSSION RE: -ORDINANCE FOR BOND REFERENDUM FOR OPEN
SPACE ACQUISITION.
(3) MINUTES FOR APPROVAL AT JULY 6 REGULAR MEETING:
MAY 25 SPECIAL WORKSHOP (BUILDING AD HOC
RECOMMENDATIONS)
MAY 25 WORKSHOP
JUNE 1 REGULAR MEETING
8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION
Commissioner Miriam S. Zwick thanked the Town for the opportunity to attend the
"Innovations" seminar in Reno. The Commissioner said there were many good
motivational speakers and those attending were kept busy from 8 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Commissioner Rachael Scala-Pistone agreed with Commissioner Zwick's remarks.
Minutes of Town Commission Workshop
June 29. 2004 Page 5 of 6
Commissioner Robert L. Lowe also had good things to say about the Reno
conference, especially Boynton Beach's presentation. The Commissioner also noted the
new fire/rescue vehicle on display earlier today, and invited residents to review its many
state of the art equipment.
Vice Mayor Joseph J. Asselta had some questions on the budget process, which were
answered by the Town Manager.
Mayor Thomas J. Reid read a letter of commendation received on behalf of Valerie
Jones, Lead Postal Clerk. The Mayor also noted timed bridge openings will begin July
19.
9. REPORTS -TOWN ATTORNEY
Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney advised that the Town prevailed in the suit filed by
owners of the Azure property; the property could now be developed according to current
building code density, or perhaps, sold.
10. REPORTS -TOWN MANAGER
Town Manager Ben Saag advised the candidate list for Police Chief will be ready for
presentation to the Commission on July 15. Mr. Saag also said he had enjoyed working
with the Commission for the past 5+ years, and will have outgoing remarks ready for the
July 6 Regular Meeting.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
NONE.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mayor Reid
adjourned the Workshop at 3:35 P.M. upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER
LOWS/COMMISSIONER ZWICK.
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Minutes of Town Commission Meeting
• June 29. 2004 Page 6 of 6
APPROV
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Miriam S. Zwic , Com i sinner
Attest:
Konen L. Lowe, Commission
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Rachael Scala-Pistone, Commissioner