Loading...
2000.09.26_TC_Minutes_WorkshopTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING Tuesday, September 26, 2000 1.30 P.M. Mayor Thomas J. Reid called the Workshop Meeting to order in Commission Chambers at 1:30 P.M. Deputy Town Clerk Jane Dillon called the roll. The Mayor, Vice Mayor Michael W. Hill, and Commissioners John J. Sorrelli and Robert L. Lowe were present. Commissioner Paul R. Kane was absent. Town Manager Ben Saag and Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney were also present, as were members of the general public. 1. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA With no objections, the Agenda was accepted as presented. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Regarding the proposed County park, Resident Dean Luce recommended that the • Commission schedule their required Public Hearing after Thanksgiving in order to allow seasonal residents the opportunity to attend and offer input. Jose Escheveria presented a report on the turtle nesting season, and requested that a future park be kept clean for the turtles. Harold Hagelmann spoke in opposition to the proposed County Park, and recommended that the Commission make a change to the Town's Comprehensive Plan, deleting the section which references the Town's need for a park. Joseph Yucht presented a report on the Airport Authority 150 committee meeting re noise abatement. Committee will propose to the Authority that plans take off and land with the least amount of damage. Pete Harbin spoke in support of Mr. Luce's comments regarding public hearing date. Gene Beherman spoke in opposition to subject park. Joseph Yucht recommended the Commission fight County and let the park issue go to court, as the Commission represents the people and should vote the way the people want, even if the Town takes drastic action. 03. PRESENTATIONS None. • Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting September 26, 2000 Page 2 of 6 3. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES a) Board Correspondence: There was none to be considered. b) Board Vacancies were noted as follows: Three (3) on Community Appearance Board (TABLED.) c) Board Action Report: None d) Monthly Board Meetings: Previously Noted. 4. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS There were no Proposed Ordinances or Resolutions to be considered. 5. NEW BUSINESS (1) DISCUSSION: PROPOSED ORDINANCE RE: - COUNTY REQUEST FOR REZONING. Commissioner Lowe inquired if there was time for a referendum on the November ballot. Attorney Sliney stated that a special election could possibly be held, and that he • would contact the Supervisor of Elections office and look into same. Commissioner Lowe asked if the Town was locked into a December timeframe response to the County, of which Mr. Sliney stated that according to Code, a Public Hearing needs to be held within 90 days of receipt of County's request, which would bring it within the December timeframe. Mayor Reid stated his objection to the Park, but that the Town needed to balance the issues. He asked the residents to realize that something will go on the property, and while a park is objectional, due to the nature of its archeological aspect and being the center of archeology in Palm Beach County, a park would retain those relics. Homes or even a condominium would destroy it all, and once beach goers realize that the area does not offer a nice beach, hopefully the park will not be utilized that much and the concerns that the residents are expressing now, will not occur. Vice -Mayor Hill offered support for the Mayor's comments. (2) DISCUSSION: PROPOSED OMNIBUS ORDINANCE RELATING TO CHANGES UPDATING TOWN CODE. Attorney Sliney asked that the Commission take time to review the entire code prior to its going to codification, and to provide any input within the next few weeks when the Commission can go through it and fine-tune it. It can then be brought up within a month is for first reading. Mr. Saag reinstated also that the Commission go through the Code and note any changes to discuss. y • Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting September 26, 2000 Page 3 of 6 (3) DISCUSSION: POLICE DEPARTMENT RE: -AMENDMENT TO POLICE RULES AND REGULATIONS TO COMPLY WITH FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING REQUIREMENT RELATING TO SEAT BELTS AND CHILD RESTRAINT DEVICES. Mr. Saag noted that in order to qualify for grants, this was a basis amendment to the Police Rules and Regulations, and that subject amendment would add standardized language. 6. MISCELLANEOUS - ITEMS LEFT OVER (1) AMENDMENT TO 401 RETIREMENT PLAN, ALLOWING FOR EMPLOYEES TO VOLUNTARILY CONTRIBUTE FOUR (4) PERCENT, WITH A TOWN MATCH OF 12 PERCENT, AND REVISION TO PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SAID CHANGE, TO BE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2000. It was noted that this item was tabled from the September 6, 2000 Regular meeting, due to Commissioner Lowe being absent. Commissioner Lowe expressed his reasons for requesting approval of this item, with Mr. Saag noting that a survey of other • municipalities was conducted, showing an extremely wide range for both categories. He asked the Commission to take action on what they felt was appropriate to the Town employees. It was noted that it be moved to the October 3, 2000 CONSENT agenda. (2) AMENDMENT TO HEALTH INSURANCE ALLOWANCE TO PROVIDE FOR 40 PERCENT COVERAGE FOR DEPENDENT COVERAGE, AND AN EQUAL AMOUNT OF FUNDING FOR ADDED BENEFITS FOR THOSE EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT ELECT TO CARRY DEPENDENT COVERAGE, AND REVISION TO PERSONNEL RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SAID CHANGE, TO BE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2000. Subject amendment moved to the October 3, 2000 CONSENT agenda. The following sets of Minutes were moved to the July 5 Regular Meeting for further consideration and possible approval: AUGUST 29, 2000 - WORKSHOP MEETING SEPTEMBER 06, 2000 - REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 07, 2000 - PUBLIC HEARING (BUDGET) 7. REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION is Commissioner Robert L. Lowe: Commissioner Lowe referenced letter sent to residents re new garbage receptacles. 1: • Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting September 26, 2000 Page 4 of 6 Commissioner Paul R. Kane: (absent) Commissioner John J. Sorrelli: Commissioner Sorrelli inquired as to the delay in construction of the front wall at Toscana. Mr. Saag stated that it was discovered that there is "muck" in the ground, and pilings are now needed for the wall. Mr. Zamiellois working on this project. Vice -Mayor Michael W. Hill: No report. Mayor Thomas J. Reid: Mayor Reid stated that he will be attending the Airport Authority Meeting at Boca Raton Town Hall on September 27, to present the Town's Resolution re changing of flight patterns. 8. REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY No report. 9. REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER Mr. Saag noted that in addition to the two agenda items, he had two additional items to discuss. (1) DISCUSSION: ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPTUAL EXHIBITS FOR LIBRARY, • REQUIRED FOR GRANT APPLICATION. Mr. Saag stated that he is looking at the State of Florida for a grant toward construction of a new Town library. In order to submit application to the State, a minimal concept of the inside and outside of the structure must accompany the application. Mr. Saag noted that a grant may contribute up to $500,00, and in order to receive same, the Town must commit to construction of subject building. Mr. Saag noted that to have a concept of the structure prepared, there would be a cost to the Town of approximately $7,000. This item was moved to the October 3, 2000 CONSENT agenda. (2) CANDIDATE COMMENTS Mr. Saag stated that he would like to invite all the candidates running in the November election, and representing Highland Beach, to a Town Commission Meeting. At that time, they may have a short amount of time to present their particular views to the Town residents. Commission was in agreement with this, and it was determined that subject candidates be invited to the October Regular and/or Workshop meetings. (3) LIABILITY/WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE Mr. Saag stated that the Town Has utilized Titen Insurance for several years for its Liability Insurance, and Workers Comprehensive with the now bankrupt GRIT. Mr. Saag • stated that with rising rates with Titen, he has looked into a agent, Risk Management who insures strictly Government Municipalities, and offers lower rates for • Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting September 26, 2000 Page 5 of 6 same coverage with Coregis Insurance. Mr. Saag noted that the current Insurance expires at midnight, Sept. 30, therefore a decision is needed within the next few days. Mayor Reid stated that he would like to have a true understanding of coverages, with a report in which the Commission could review. Town Commission decided to hold a Special Meeting on Thursday, September 28, 3:00 p.m., with presentations by representative for Coregis Insurance Company and Representative for Titen Insurance. The Financial Advisory Board members will also be invited to subject meeting. Mr. Saag noted that he will call Titen to see if a binder could be obtained to carry the insurance through for another month, thereby not pressing for a fast decision. (4) GRIT WORKERS COMPENSATION SITUATION Mr. Saag explained that GRIT (Government Risk Insurance Trust) was made up of 500 Municipal, and not for profit organizations. In that The Town has two outstanding claims which were not settled prior to GRIT going bankrupt, the Town will ultimately need to settle with the two employees or face litigation, which would result in penalties and fines, in addition to the payout. There are three options with GRIT: 1) take back claims, 2) reach a settlement through GRIT, 3) let claims sit in limbo and see what the two parties • would do; ie. sue, settle, etc. Mr. Saag noted that the Town is in a good position to negotiate a settlement, as a litigation settlement may not be as good an outcome. Mr. Saag contacted Lori Mores -Kennedy with the firm Conroy, Sinberg & Ganon, who can work with the Town to settle the claims, once the Town takes them back, and defer any payment to GRIT who claims $82,000 is owed them on reimbursement. It was noted that the demand's for each claim is $150,000. 10. CONSENT AGENDA None. 11. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mayor Reid adjourned the Workshop Meeting at 3:15 P.M. upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER LOWE. is • Minutes of Town Commission Workshop Meeting September 26, 2000 Page 6 of 6 APPROVE: Mayor Thomas J. Reid Commissio6efr John J. Sorrelli Commissioner Paul R. Kane ATTEST: - fjpd DATE: /0-0