2003.02.04_TC_Minutes_Regular
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TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, February 4, 2003 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.
Also present were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, Town Manager Ben Saag and
members of the general public.
After roll call the Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Mayor Reid then called for a minute of silence in memory of the seven (7) United States
astronauts who perished on February 1 when the space shuttle "Columbia" exploded
over Texas.
• 1. ADDITIONS DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
Town Manager Ben Saag requested the agenda be amended to include a brief update
by CH2M HILL and J. Kirlin Co, on the reverse osmosis water treatment plant now under
construction. Hearing no objection, the Mayor declared the Agenda accepted as
amended.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Judy Asselta, 3450 S. Ocean Blvd., had comments regarding re-scheduling of the
Hoffmann/Siemens project and the settlement agreement pertaining thereto.
3. PRESENTATIONS
1) UPDATE: REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER TREATMENT PLANT
CH2M HILL Project Engineer, Dave Schuman, and J. Kirlin Representative, Homer
Gregorian, advised that the site work is almost completed and, with the exception of a
few minor setbacks, the construction aspect was on target. It was also advised that
weekly construction meetings were held with the Utilities Department, as well as monthly
meetings with Town Manager Saag and Commissioner Sorrelli.
Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting
. February 4, 2003 Page 2 of 6
2) AZURE - MAXIME DEVELOPMENT: REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION
Representing Azure/Maxime, Attorney Steve Utrect gave background information (See
Minutes of January 7 Regular and January 28 Workshop) and then introduced Allan
Koslow of Becker Poliakoff, attorney for the Barchetta Group, the proposed new
developer of the property. Mr. Koslow gave some preliminary information and then
turned the presentation to Anthony DeFeo, representative of the Barchetta Group, who
requested certain provisions, primarily relating to permitting; he answered the members'
questions satisfactorily, particularly as regards aspects of construction timing.
Upon MOTION by VICE MAYOR HILL/COMMISSIONER LOWE, the Town Attorney and
Town Manager were directed to meet with the principals and, if possible, get the project
moving forward. Roll call met with unanimous favorable vote.
4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
A) BOARD CORRESPONDENCE: NONE
B) BOARD VACANCIES: NONE
• C) BOARD ACTION REPORT: Mayor Reid read the BAR for January into the
record.
D) MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS: Mayor Reid announced there were no
Board meetings scheduled for February.
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
(1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING ORDINANCE N0.696, WHICH APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR 2001-2002, WHICH. BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2001 AND
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002. (first reading 1/7/03; published 1/17/03)
This Proposed Ordinance was given final reading and, upon MOTION by
COMMISSIONER LOWE/COMMISSIONER SORRELLI, was unanimously approved by
roll call vote.
(2) A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH GRANTINGAUTHORITYTOTOWNCOMMISSIONER
JOHN SORRELLI AND TOWN MANAGER BEN SAAG TO EXECUTE
CHANGE ORDERS RELATED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
REVERSE OSMOSIS WATER TREATMENT FACILITY.
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Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting
• February 4, 2003 Page 3 of 6
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS (continued)
Having previously discussed the efficiency of this resolution, MOTION to approve was
made by COMMISSIONER LOWE/COMMISSIONER SCALA-PISTONE, followed by
unanimous favorable vote.
(3) A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
TO THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE, URGING THE ENACTMENT OF
LEGISLATION AUTHORIZING COUNTIES AND MUNICIPALITIES, AT
THEIR OPTION, TO COLLECT LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE
ENFORCEMENT FINES IN THE SAME MANNER AS NON-AD VALOREM
ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING FOR DISTRIBUTION; PROVIDING AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
No discussion took place and, upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/
COMMISSIONER LOWE, this resolution was unanimously approved.
6. NEW BUSINESS
NONE.
• 7. MISCELLANEOUS -ITEMS LEFT OVER
Upon MOTION by VICE MAYOR HILL/COMMISSIONER SORRELLI, the following sets
of Minutes were unanimously approved:
JANUARY 7, 2003 SPECIAL MEETING (RANKING OF ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS
RE NEW LIBRARY)
JANUARY 7, 2003 REGULAR MEETING
JANUARY 14, 2003 EXECUTIVE SESSION (POLICE ,NEGOTIATIONS)
8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION
Commissioner Rachael Scala-Pistone extended thanks to staff who assisted the
January 25 beach- clean-up, particularly Police Officers Dave Scherer and Tony Potter
and Utilities Superintendent Bill Moore.
Commissioner Scala-Pistone again expressed disappointment that the January 28
Hoffmann/Siemens Public Hearing was cancelled and read a prepared statement into the
record (copy attached to and made part of these Minutes). The Commissioner
MOTIONED for another Executive Session before another Public Hearing was
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Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting
• February 4, 2003 Page 4 of 6
8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION (continued)
scheduled; however there was no second. Vice Mayor Hill noted it would be appropriate
to hold an Executive Session after the Public Hearing. Town Attorney Sliney agreed
with the Vice Mayor, advising an Executive Session had to do with strategy and legal
expenses.
In conclusion, Commissioner Scala-Pistone requested the Town Attorney give a history
of the project. Mr. Sliney replied that he had always pursued answers to the
Commissioner's questions regarding this project and would continue to do so; however,
he had nothing to discuss at this time.
Commissioner Robert L. Lowe had no report.
Commissioner John J. Sorrelli had no report.
Vice Mayor Michael W. Hill questioned if the Town had agreed to a contract with Boca
Raton Educational Television (BRET); Town Manager Ben Saag replied that the town
is in the negotiating phase only at this time.
• The Vice Mayor also asked if a new date for the Hoffmann/Siemens Public Hearing had
been set, but was advised none had been.
In conclusion, Vice Mayor Hill referenced an essay by author George Orwell, i.e.,
"Shooting an Elephant" (1936), the essence of which was adhering to the "letter of the
law" in order to please a crowd, rather than following what one perceives as "right."
The entire text is attached to and made part of these Minutes.
Mayor Thomas J. Reid introduced Dr. Seymour Strauss and extended sincere thanks
for Dr. Strauss' idea of a chamber orchestra for Highland Beach; the Mayor announced
its debut at a free concert on March 21, at 4:30 P.M., at St. Lucy's Church.
Regarding the Hoffmann/Siemens Public Hearing, Mayor Reid repeated that he had
cancelled same because of Mr. Siemens' health. As to the project itself, the Mayor said
he would vote against any condominium which was not land deeded; he also said there
should be no overt commerce involved with the project.
Mayor Reid concluded with a reminder to all who attend Commission meetings that
civility must prevail.
Minutes of Town Commission Meeting
• February 4. 2003 Page 5 of 6
10. REPORTS -TOWN MANAGER
Town Manager Ben Saag reported on the following:
(1) DISCUSSION RE: -SURPLUS SUPPLIES
Mr. Saag explained the list of surplus computer supplies to the Commission, and
answered their questions satisfactorily. MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER
SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER SCALA-PISTONE to allow for disposal of these supplies;
roll call vote was unanimous. (List attached and made part of these Minutes)
(2) UPDATE: -LIBRARY ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
Mr. Saag advised he and Library Director Mari Suarez had met with architect Peter
Corrales, and a draft of the agreement with his firm for the new library will be ready for
discussion at the February 25 Workshop.
(3) UPDATE: -CREDIT/DEBIT CARD SYSTEM FOR BUILDING PERMITS AND
UTILITY PAYMENTS.
• The Town Manager advised that staff would attend a seminar in this regard in March,
and the system should be in place by late Spring.
Mr. Saag concluded with notation of his meeting/vacation schedule for the near future.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
Upon MOTION by VICE MAYOR HILL/COMMISSIONER SCALA-PISTONE, the following
Consent Agenda item was unanimously approved:
PALM BEACH COUNTY RECREATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM -FUNDING
AGREEMENT FOR LIBRARY SPEAKER'S PROGRAM.
12. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mayor Reid
adjourned the meeting upon MOTION byCOMMISSIONER SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER
SCALA-PISTONE at 2:50 A.M.
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• Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting
February 4. 2003 Page 6 of 6
Attest:
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Da e: old D
APPROVE:
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Thomas J. Reid, Mayor
Mic~`iael W. Hill, Vice Mayor
J n J. Sorrell', Commissioner
Rob rt L. Lowe, Cor~ifiys~oner
Rachael Scala-Pistone, Commissioner
•