2003.12.09_TC_Minutes_Workshop•
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION
SPECIAL WORKSHOP MEETING
December 9 2003 9:30 a.m.
Mayor Thomas J. Reid called the Special Workshop Meeting to order at 9:30
a.m. in Commission Chambers.
Deputy Town Clerk Jane Dillon called the Roll. Present were Mayor Reid, Vice-
Mayor Hill, and Commissioners Sorrelli, Lowe and Scala-Pistone.
Also present was Town Attorney Thomas J. Sliney ,Town Manager Ben Saag
and members of the general public.
After the Roll Call, Pledge of Allegiance was given.
The agenda was accepted as presented.
1) CONTINUATION: DISCUSSION RE ONE TIME EMPLOYEE HOLIDAY
INCENTIVE PAYMENT.
The Town's insurance representative, Debbie Diaz, was present to speak on the
• forfeiture funds, which have been acquired through employees leaving the
employment of the Town prior to being vested. She noted that there is currently
$39,000 in this account and it is perfectly legal to administer the money amongst
the Town's current employees as a holiday bonus.
Ms. Diaz answered Commissioner Sorrelli's question re notification to the IRS
upon distribution of these funds. Ms. Diaz stated that this is absolutely not
necessary and is a very legitimate use of the funds.
Commission Scala-Pistone asked if the funds could be used for other options i.e.
side streets, land funds, etc. Ms. Diaz stated that the funds may be transferred
to any other line item in Budget and used accordingly.
Vice-Mayor Hill stated that he is not in favor and can't see any real reason to do
this.
Mayor Reid noted that employees build the Town and this would reinforce
employee's goodwill.
A MOTION was made by Commissioner Lowe/Mayor Reid to use the forfeiture
funds for distribution to the Town employees with $700 being given to regular full
time employees and $350 to part time employees.
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Town Commission Special/VNorkshop Meeting
• December 9, 2003 Paste 2
The following rollcall vote was taken:
Commissioner Sorrelli Yes
Commissioner Scala-Pistone No
Commissioner Lowe Yes
Vice-Mayor Hill No
Mayor Reid Yes
MOTION passed with a 3/2 vote.
2) DISCUSSION: RE HOLIDAY CLOSING
Commissioner Sorrelli presented the idea of the Town closing the day after
Christmas and New Year, due to the fact that both holidays fall on a Thursday,
and both Fridays would most likely be very quiet. Commissioner Lowe noted
that the employees currently get half a day prior to both holidays. There was
some discussion regarding having a rotating skeleton crew in future years when
a timeframe like this occurs,. in order to keep Town Hall open.
After further discussion, the following MOTION was made by COMMISISONER
• SORRELUCOMMISISONER LOWE to grant the day following Christmas and
the day following New Years as a holiday closing for this year only.
The following rollcall vote was taken:
Commissioner Lowe Yes
Commissioner Sorrelli Yes
Commissioner Scala-Pistone Yes
Vice-Mayor Hill Yes
Mayor Reid Yes
MOTION passed with a unanimous vote.
3) DISCUSSION: RE SALE OF TOWN PROPERTY LOCATED IN BOCA
RATON
Mr. Saag noted that the Town property consisted of a well field on NW 62"d Street,
and the water plant treatment facility on Federal Highway. The well field is 8.5
acres worth approximately $850,000 and the plant is 2.167 acres worth
approximately $900,000 (these amounts are according to the last appraisal).
Town Commission Special/Workshop Meeting
December 9, 2003 Page 3
Mr. Saag stated that the City of Boca Raton at one time installed a chain link fence
at the well field site in exchange for right of first refusal if and when the Town ever
decided to sell. He noted that no one has the right of first refusal on the water
plant property, and mentioned that the Town could sell the property via advertising
and sealed bids, as this would save the Town realtor costs. Mr. Saag also stated
that new appraisal should be obtained to bring the property values up to date.
Commissioner Sorrelli suggested that this wait until the new plant is open and
operating, then get a new appraisals and proceed with the sales. The Commission
all agreed to obtain new appraisals, advertise to the outside and obtain sealed
bids. There was a consensus to table this until a future time after the new water
plant is open.
Vice-Mayor Hill made a recommendation to utilize another qualified and
experienced firm for the next appraisals with Commissioner Lvwe suggesting the
Town obtain two or three appraisals.
Resident Joe Yucht asked to speak to the Commission. He wished all a happy
holiday season, and noted that the history books have arrived. Mr. Yucht feels this
meeting is illegal due to being called a Workshop, and any action taken today was
• illegal and could be challenged in court. It was pointed out to Mr. Yucht that this
was also noted as a Special meeting, whereby action may be taken.
Mr. Yucht suggested the Town think about land annexation for the two condos at
the very North end of Boca (Sea Ranch and Admirals Walk) on A1A at Spanish
River Bivd. Mayor Reid suggested this could be discussed at a future meeting.
Mr. Assalta spoke re the "gifts" to the employees, and that the people should have
had some comment in this regard.
With no further business to come before the Commission, MOTION was made to
adjourn by Commissioner SorrelliNice-Mayor Hill at 10:45 a.m.
APPROVED:
Mayor Thomas J. Reid
Vice-Mayor Michael W. Hill
Commissioner John J. Sorrelli
Commissioner Robert L. Lowe
Commissioner Rachael Scala~Pistone
Date: ~~Lvc . ~ , Z v o ~ Attest:
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Lack of quorum for December 30, 2003 Workshop
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