2003.03.25_TC_Minutes_Workshopw
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
E OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
MINUT S
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday March 25 2003 1:30 P.M.
Mayor Thomas J. Reid called the Workshop 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
Hearing no objection, Mayor Reid declared the Agenda accepted as presented.
• it Police Officer Jeffre
Before addressing the Agenda, the Mayor welcomed newly h ed y
Jacobs and invited him to introduce himself. Officer Jacobs gave a brief background of
his professional law enforcement career and answered questions to the Commission's
satisfaction.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Harold Hagelmann, Boca Hi, asked how the "sludge" from the R.O, plant would be
disposed of; CH2M HILL Project Engineer Dave Schuman explained there would be no
"sludge," and explained the process of eliminating the "waste" associated with the R.O.
plant to Mr. Hagelmann's satisfaction.
Turtle Program Coordinator Jose Echeverria, Russell Drive, reported that the first nesting
of the season (leatherback) had been recorded.
Joseph Asselta, Casuarina, credited Town Manager Ben Saag for a successful
negotiation session (March 24, 2003) regarding the police union.
Joseph Yucht, Boca Hi, expressed concern that his written petitions were not answered
(See March 4, 2003 Minutes). Town Manager Saag noted that one of them (additional
Public Comment section on Agendas) had been addressed in an ordinance that would
have first reading on April 1, and the possibility of debates among candidates would be
addressed for the 2004 elections at the Commission's direction; Town Attorney Sliney
assured Mr. Yucht that his petitions regarding legal matters would be answered.
Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting
• March 25, 2003 Page 2 of 6
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS (continued)
Alfred Bresnahan, Seagate, expressed concern that a contract with Boca Raton
Educational Television, would allow a loss of Channel 20 (Palm Beach County), and
noted he was not in favor of such a contract.
Seymour Strauss, noted the extraordinary success of the free lyric chamber orchestra
presentation held on March 21 at St. Lucy's Church, saying he was hopeful that an
organization could be formed to fund future events.
Pat Kain, Ocean Pines, read a prepared statement, noting the large voter turnout in the
recent municipal elections, and requesting that Mayor Reid's recent admonitions
regarding civility during Commission meetings apply also to the Commission itself.
Note: Public Comments included congratulations and best wishes to the
successful candidates in the March 11, 2003 elections.
3. PRESENTATIONS
WATER PLANT UPDATE - CH2M HILL & J.J. KIRLIN
• CH2
M HILL Project Engineer and Homer Gregorian, Project Manager for J.J. Karlin, gave
an update on the progress of the R.O. plant, and answered questions to the
Commission's satisfaction.
4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
A) BOARD CORRESPONDENCE: FINANCIAL ADVISORY BOARD
MEMORANDUM RECOMMENDING APPROVAL OF ANNUAL FINANCIAL
COMPREHENSIVE REPORT.
Mayor Reid read the memorandum into the record, noting the auditors would be making
their presentation under "New Business," followed by a Special Meeting to consider
approval of the report. (Memorandum attached to and made part of these Minutes)
B) BOARD VACANCIES: NONE
C) BOARD ACTION REPORT: NONE
D) MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS: PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED.
Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting
• March 25. 2003 Page 3 of 6
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
(1) AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
UPDATING THE TOWN CODE BY AMENDING THE FOLLOWING
SECTIONS AND ARTICLES OF THE TOWN CODE:
.AMENDING SECTION 2-28(1)
.AMENDING SECTION 2-28(4)
.AMENDING SECTION 2-54
.AMENDING SECTION 4-8(c)
The Town Manager noted this proposed ordinance would have first reading at the April
1, 2003 Regular Meeting and explained those sections being amended:
Section 2-28(1) to provide for Commission meetings to be
held the following business day only if
meeting date falls on a legal holiday;
meeting(s) can be cancelled in advance
if it is known a quorum will not be.
present.
• Scin -
e t o 2 28(4) adding to agenda(s) an additional section
of public comments relating to actions
considered/taken.
Section 2-54 deleted and replaced regarding Finance
Director's duties/responsibilities.
Section 4-8(c) addition of "interior" and "exterior"
regarding lighting on beach during
turtle season.
(2) A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE TOWN'S TRAVEL AND
PER DIEM POLICIES AND PROCEDURES.
Done on Town Attorney's advice to memorialize in light of new proposed legislation.
6. NEW BUSINESS
(1) REVIEWAND DISCUSSION OF ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVEFlNANCIAL
REPORT.
Chuck Haas and Debbie Diaz of Rachlin Cohen & Holtz LLP resented to the
p
Commission the annual financial report for fiscal year 2002.
Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting
• March 25. 2003 Page 4 of 6
6. NEW BUSINESS (continued)
Mr. Haas gave introductory remarks and Ms. Diaz addressed revenues and expenditures
using a "Financial Highlights" brochure. Questions were answered to the Commission's
satisfaction. The auditors commended Staff for their expertise and cooperation in the
compilation of the report. It was again noted that a Special Meeting to consider approval
would be held immediately following the Workshop. (Brochure attached to and made part
of these Minutes)
(2) NPDES (NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM)
SECOND TERM PERMIT INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT.
Mr. Saag explained that this agreement, budgeted by the Town, is a federally mandated
5-year program now in its 6th year, hence the "second term permit" language. After brief
discussion, it was the consensus to move this item to the April 1 Consent Agenda.
(3) DISCUSSION RE: -LANDSCAPE ISLANDS ON SIDE STREETS.
Responding to Vice Mayor Hill's suggestion that the Town consider landscaping the side
streets along with the planned re-paving, the Town Manager used photos, superimposed
• with proposed landscaping, to describe how landscaping of the side streets would be
accomplished if the Commission approved. During discussion, Vice Mayor Hill noted that
drainage would be improved, as well as appearance. Also, if the Bel Lido Homeowners
Association did not want their side streets landscaped, Mr. Saag advised the cost of the
project would be halved, further noting that the project could be budgeted within the next
2 years. (Copy of Mr. Saag's memorandum attached to and made part of these Minutes.)
7. MISCELLANEOUS -ITEMS LEFT OVER
(1) DISCUSSION RE: -BRET CONTRACT (BOCA RATION EDUCATIONAL
TELEVISION)
Mayor Reid requested that this item be tabled until the April 1 Regular Meeting, in order
that Dave Schmidt of BRET could speak to the merits of the programming and answer
any questions the Commission might have. There was no objection.
(2) MINUTES FOR APPROVAL AT APRIL 1, 2003 REGULAR MEETING:
The following sets of Minutes were moved to the April 1 Regular Agenda for further
consideration and possible approval:
FEBRUARY 25, 2003 WORKSHOP MEETING
MARCH 4, 2003 REGULAR MEETING
MARCH 18, 2003 SPECIAL MEETING (ELECTION/CANVASSING)
Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting .
March 25. 2003 Page 5 of 6
8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION
Commissioner Rachael Scala-Pistone had no report, but expressed delight in being
re-elected, thanking the voters and all concerned with her successful campaign.
Commissioner Robert L. Lowe questioned the status of the Town's history book; Mayor
Reid replied that a final draft should be ready within a month, with publishing scheduled
around September 2003.
Commissioner Lowe also questioned when the next judicial review of the
Hoffmann/Siemens issue would take place; Attorney Sliney replied it would be in May
2003. Discussion took place, with the possibility of a public hearing during April.
being considered.
Commissioner John J. Sorrelli congratulated the incumbents on their successful
campaigns. He questioned if each Commissioner would get a draft of the Town's history
book t review; the Mayor replied affirmatively.
Commissioner Sorrelli then noted a recent accident on A1A in front of the Coronado in
which a woman was injured; in this regard, he directed Town Manager Saag to contact
the DOT traffic engineering and invite representatives to a Commission meeting to once
again review traffic problems on A1A.
Vice Mayor Hill had no report.
Having also been recently elected, unopposed, to a third term, Mayor Thomas J. Reid
congratulated the successful candidates in the municipal elections, noting that the
Commission is a team, each with one vote, whose mandate is to serve the best interests
of the Town.
The Mayor also noted the great success of the first performance of the lyric chamber
orchestra, with over 300 attending.
Mayor Reid asked if there would be any objection to his contacting Richard Siemens
regarding the possibility of an April public hearing on the Hoffmann/Siemens property.
There was no objection from the Commission members or the Town Attorney.
9. REPORTS -TOWN ATTORNEY
Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney congratulated the successful candidates in the recent
elections. He then assured the Commission members that he would certainly provide
any and all information he could regarding legal issues; however, he advised that there
are certain legal issues still in litigation that are inappropriate to air.
Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting
March 25, 2003 Page 6 of 6
9. REPORTS -TOWN ATTORNEY (continued)
Addressing Joseph Yucht, Mr. Sliney reiterated that he would prepare a written response
to Mr. Yucht's petitions having to do with legal matters.
10. REPORTS -TOWN MANAGER
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UPDATE RE AIA PROJECT: PUBLIC
OPEN HOUSE ON MONDAY, APRIL 14, 2003; 4:30 P.M. TO 7:30 P.M.
Town Manager Ben Saag presented a flier that will be mailed to all residents regarding
the open house noted above. Mr. Saag also noted he had been advised by the DOT
that they expect the bike path installation on A1A to be completed by Thanksgiving; work
will start at Linton Boulevard and proceed south to meet the paths just north of Spanish
River Boulevard, then north back to Linton. (Copy of flier attached to and made part of
these Minutes.)
11. CONSENT AGENDA
NONE.
12. ADJOURNMENT
• There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mayor Reid
adjourned the Workshop Meeting at 3:25 P.M. upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER
SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER SCALA-PISTONE.
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APPROVE:
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Thomas J. Reid, Mayor Michael W. Hill. Vice Mayor '~
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ohn J. S relli, Commissioner R:e. Lowe, om ssio er
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Rachael Scala-Pistone, Commissioner
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