2001.12.04_TC_Minutes_RegularTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH1
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday December 04 2001 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.
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
M At the request of Town Manager Saag, the agenda was amended to include a resolution
amending Resolution No. 600, which pertains to terms of membership on Town Boards.
There was no objection and the agenda was accepted as amended.
It was then agreed that the Department of Transportation presentation be heard before
Public Comments.
3. PRESENTATIONS
LARRY KELLY, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION REPRESENTATIVE:
A1A PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS
Mr. Kelly and his associate, Rick Mitinger, engaged in dialogue with the Commission and
residents regarding what could be done by the DOT to enhance the safety of pedestrians
crossing A1A. While it was advised the issue will be reviewed by the DOT, at this time
Messrs Kelly and Mitinger suggested that flashing lights be installed at the northern and
southern boundaries of the Town to alert motorists of the several pedestrian crossings
that have already been installed on A1A.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jose Echeverria, 1112 Russell Dr., reminded residents of the annual Toys for Tots drive.
Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting
December 4 2001 Paae 2 of 5
Joseph Yucht, 4748 S. Ocean Blvd., advised the Boca Raton Airport Authority will
appoint a 21-member committee to address flight paths, and suggested that while the
FAA still controls the airport, it might be good public relations to have the Commission
appoint a resident to serve as a committee member.
Mr. Yucht also addressed beach erosion and seawall deterioration, suggesting that the
Town might be able to do something to correct both.
4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
A) BOARDS CORRESPONDENCE: NONE.
B) BOARD VACANCIES: ONE (1) ON BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT.
C) BOARD ACTION REPORT: SUBMITTED FOR INFORMATION
D) MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS:
.BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT -NONE SCHEDULED
.CHARTER REVIEW BOARD - NONE SCHEDULED
.CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD -NONE SCHEDULED
.FINANCIAL ADVISORY BOARD -REGULAR - 12/11/01 - 9:30 AM
.PLANNING BOARD -REGULAR - 12/12/01 - 9:30 AM
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 600,
WHICH PERTAINS TO TERMS OF MEMBERSHIP ON TOWN BOARDS.
Mr. Saag briefly explained that this amendment corresponded to the Commission's
action at the November Regular Meeting, whereby it was unanimously voted that the
members of the Financial Advisory Board would be exempt from the term limits affecting
other Town Boards. Upon MOTION by VICE MAYOR HILL/COMMISSIONER
SORRELLI, the resolution was unanimously approved. (Copy attached and made part
of these Minutes.)
6. NEW BUSINESS
NONE.
Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting
December 4 2001 Page 3 of 5
7. MISCELLANEOUS -ITEMS LEFT OVER
(1) DISCUSSION RE: -COST OF COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE
TEAM (CERT) SUPPLIES.
Following some discussion it was unanimously agreed that the Town would set aside,
but not yet allocate, funds for start-up medical/non-medical supplies for the CERT
program. MOTION by COMMISSIONER LOWE/COMMISSIONER SCALA-PISTONE to
approve the $5455.74 start-up costs met with unanimous favorable roll call vote.
(Copy of request attached to and made part of these Minutes.)
(2) DISCUSSION RE: -CONSIDERATION OF SAMPLE REFERENDUM
BALLOT LANGUAGE AND CORRESPONDING RESOLUTION
PERTAINING TO CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW LIBRARY.
Town Attorney Sliney explained the resolution, including ballot language, which was
drafted by Attorney Charles Schoech; Mr. Sliney also advised that a general obligation
promissory note, as called for in the resolution, would yield a better interest rate than a
special obligation promissory note. Following some discussion, the resolution was
unanimously approved by roll call vote upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER
SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER LOWE. (Copy attached and made part of these Minutes.)
(3) DISCUSSION RE: - AMENDMENT TO PERSONNEL RULES AND
REGULATIONS: MILITARY LEAVE BENEFITS FOR ACTIVATED
RESERVISTS.
As previously discussed and agreed upon by consensus, an amendment to the
Personnel Rules and Regulations relating to military leave benefits for activated
reservists was unanimously approved upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER
LOWE/COMMISSIONER SCALA-PISTONE. (Copy attached to and made part of these
Minutes.)
(4) MINUTES FOR APPROVAL
Upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER LOWE, the following
sets of Minutes were unanimously approved:
OCTOBER 30, 2001 - WORKSHOP MEETING
NOVEMBER 6, 2001 - REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 10, 2001) - EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
NOVEMBER 6, 2001 ) - (POLICE BARGAINING
NEGOTIATIONS)
' ~
Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting
December 4 2001 Page 4 of 5
8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION
Commissioner Rachael Scala-Pistone advised she will inspect the bike path the week
of December 10, noting any areas that need repair.
Commissioner Robert L. Lowe had no report.
Expressing displeasure over an incident to which he was subjected that occurred at St.
Lucy's Church relating to recent police negotiations, Commissioner John J. Sorrelli
advised for the record that he "was not afraid of the Mayor," and requested that people
refrain from approaching him at church about this issue, and also refrain from
believing/spreading rumors about the ongoing negotiations.
Vice Mayor Michael W. Hill requested that because in the recent survey the majority
of residents on Bel Air Drive had requested the installation of speed bumps, that the
Town Manager have two (2) temporary bumps installed at a cost of about $50 each.
The request was unanimously approved by the Commission upon MOTION by VICE
MAYOR HILL/COMMISSIONER LOWE.
Following this discussion, it was the consensus that the Town Manager have a drasft
ordinance prepared, reducing the speed on the Town's side streets from 25 to 20 MPH.
Mayor Thomas J. Reid again addressed what he termed "preposterous" rumors
surrounding police union negotiations, assuring that any negotiations entered into by the
Town are public affairs and inviting the public to become more aware of, and attend, the
various Town meetings. The Mayor added that while some strategy sessions in this
regard are posted, but closed in accordance with state statute [447.605(2)], negotiation
sessions are posted and open in accordance with state statute [286.011 ]; he invited the
public to attend these open meetings in order to understand the union negotiations.
9. REPORTS -TOWN ATTORNEY
Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney had no report.
10. REPORTS -TOWN MANAGER
Town Manager Ben Saag addressed several issues:
.As per the Commission's request regarding allowable speed limits on Town side streets,
advised of a Town code-imposed 25 MPH limit; after some discussion, Mr. Saag was
requested to draft an ordinance reducing the limit to 20 MPH on these streets.
.With the Mayor's input, advised of the structure and responsibilities of the newly formed
Library Study Committee. Following some discussion, and upon MOTION by
COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER LOWE, the committee and its members
were unanimously approved. (Copy and list of appointees attached to and made part of
these Minutes.)
•
Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting
December 4 2001 Paae 5 of 5
.Advised the second building of the Toscana project is about 73% complete, and should
be on the tax rolls shortly.
At this time both Commissioner Lowe and Vice Mayor Hill suggested the community
newsletter be given a new approach; Mr. Saag will address this issue.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
Upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLINICE MAYOR HILL, the following items
were unanimously approved:
(1) CH2M HILL TASK ORDER 2001-03A: AMENDMENT 1 FOR FLORIDAN
AQUIFER TEST PRODUCTION WELL NO. 2 CONSTRUCTION
SERVICES.
(2) DECLARE POLICE DEPARTMENT REPEATERS, ANTENNAS AND
RELATED EQUIPMENTAS SURPLUS MATERIALANFADVERTISESALE
OF SAID MATERIAL.
1. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mayor Reid
adjourned the Regular Meeting upon, MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLINICE
MAYOR HILL, AT 3:15 PM.
dmt
APPROVE:
Attest:
.-
Thomas J. Reid, Mayor ~"
.,
hn J. So ', Commissioner
Michael W. Hill, Vice Mayor
-/yes c,~ ;
Robert L. Lowe, Commi~sieeer-~- ..,
~~______
G~ ~lL. <~~rz
~~~.
Rachael Scala-Pistone, Commissioner
~.
Date: o? ~ o d