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1999.12.07_TC_Minutes_RegularTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING REGULAR MEETING Tuesdav, December 7, 1999 4.45 P M Note for the Record: The Regular Meeting of the Town Commission, scheduled for 1:30 P.M., was postponed until 4:45 P.M. to accommodate Mayor Thomas J. Reid, who was scheduled to address the Palm Beach County Commission in West Palm Beach at 2:15 P.M. regarding the proposed county park in the south end of Town ("Milani Property"). Commissioners John J. Sorrelli and Paul R. Kane had accompanied the Mayor to that meeting. Postponement was advised via video at 1:30 P.M. by Town Manager Ben Saag, and at 4:00 P.M. by Town Attorney Tom Sliney. Mayor Thomas J. Reid called the Regular Meeting of the Town Commission to order in Commission Chambers at 4:45 P.M. The Mayor, Vice Mayor Michael W. Hill, and Commissioners John J. Sorrelli, Paul R. Kane and Robert L. Lowe were present. ~ Also present were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney and Town Manager Ben Saag. In addition, Police Chief Tony Cervasio, Fire Chief Bob Rehr, Building Official Bob Dawson and Solid Waste Consultant Tim Hunt were in attendance, as were members of the general public. After roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance was given. 1. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA The Agenda was accepted as presented upon MOTION by VICE MAYOR HILL/COMMISSIONER LOWS. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Ms. Nurgun Erdol (1101 Bel Air Drive) addressed the Commission regarding demolition of a 20+ year-old four-plex to construct a 6- story apartment building; because this concept does not meet current zoning code for that area, she was advised how she should proceed with her petition, starting with the Board of Adjustment. 3. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES It was noted there was no Board correspondence to consider and no Board vacancies open to appointment. Mayor Reid read the Board • Action Report for November into the record. Monthly meetings for December presented as information. . Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting December 07, 1999 Page 2 of 3 4. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE TOWN CODE, CHAPTER 22 ENTITLED "SEWERS," SECTION 22-2 ENTITLED "SEWER SERVICE CHARGES." (first reading 11/2/99; published 11/19/99) Final reading of the above ordinance was given by the clerk, and MOTION to adopt by COMMISSIONER KANE/COMMISSIONER SORRELLI was followed by unanimous favorable roll call vote. 5. NEW BUSINESS None. 6. MISCELLANEOUS - ITEMS LEFT OVER 1. BFI Contract Extension Town Manager Saag gave an overhead presentation highlighting the improvements to the proposed BFI contract, including benefits to the Town if the Commission decided to renew at this time (effective • January 1, 2000.) Mr. Saag complimented Solid Waste Consultant Tim Hunt on a job well done in his negotiations with BFI on behalf of the Town, advising an average savings of 26% had been realized. At Vice Mayor Hill's suggestion, Mr. Hunt and Mr. Saag will look into the efficiency of BFI utilizing a semi-automatic system for pick-up, i.e., uniform containers hydraulically compatible to the trucks. Concluding discussion, and upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER LOWS/COMMISSIONER KANE, the members voted unanimously to approve renewal of the BFI contract at this time, effective January 1, 2000. (Also refer to Town Manager's report for further information. (Copies of Mr. Saag's highlights and Collection Rate Service Cost Comparison Sheet attached hereto and made part of these Minutes.) 2. Purchase of Beach Access Vehicle Mr. Saag provided the members with a brochure on the vehicle that had been selected at a cost of $7,668, which included an optional "Med-Bed;" Fire Chief Bob Rehr advised that because the fire and police departments answer calls simultaneously, the Med-Bed would be an advantage in case of a beach emergency; he stated fire-rescue personnel only would be in charge of administering to a victim, with police personnel only operating the vehicle and not being • involved with administering treatment of any kind. • Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting December 07, 1999 Paste 3 of 4 As a resident of Ambassadors East Condominium, Commissioner Lowe gave an update on negotiations with that condominium's Board of Directors, advising they would discuss the possibility of housing the vehicle on their property at a workshop scheduled for mid- December. It was also noted that the Building Official was in contact with the DEP regarding permitting for the dune access which would be required to allow the vehicle to the beach. Mayor Reid noted that if the Commission approved this vehicle, he would expect its presence to be evident in the community; Chief Tony Cervasio responded that this would be accomplished as the force is now manned to full capacity. Concluding discussion, and upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER KANE, the members voted unanimously to approve the purchase of the beach vehicle as presented in the brochure, contingent upon permission of Ambassadors East Condominium Board of Directors to store same on their property, and DOT's permitting of an appropriate dune access to the beach. (Copy from brochure attached to and made part of these Minutes.) 3. Transfer of Funds to Police Department for: a) Ford Expedition rather than Ford Crown Victoria • b) Computer Program & Laptop Computers for Police Vehicles Mr. Saag addressed this issue, explaining it had been re-thought and that only transfer of funds for the difference between a Ford Expedition and Crown Victoria was being requested; the laptops/software/licensing would be budgeted in FY 2000/2001. The Commission agreed to the transfer as discussed. (Copy of Mr. Saag's December 7 memo on the subject attached to and made part of these Minutes.) 4. Minutes for Approval The following sets of Minutes were unanimously approved upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/VICE MAYOR HILL: October 26, 1999 - Workshop Meeting October 26, 1999 - Public Hearing (Zoning) November 02, 1999 - Regular Meeting November 23, 1999 - Special Meeting 7. REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION Commissioner Robert L. Lowe had no report. Commissioner Paul R. Rane referred to the Commission's September 3, 1999 Special Meeting regarding Ad Hoc Committee recommendations and actions take on same. Commissioner Kane read the approved . Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting December 07, 1999 Paae 4 of 4 procedure regarding Board members' absences from meetings (No. 3) and MOVED that the following sentence be added after the sentence ending with the words "....effective January 2000.": "Multiple meetings of a board on the same day will be considered as a single absence." After some discussion, the MOTION was seconded by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI, followed by unanimous favorable vote. (Copy of that section of September 3, 1999 Special Meeting Minutes, with amended section highlighted, attached to and made part of these Minutes.) Commissioner John J. Sorrelli referred to Town Manager Saag's recent letter to the developers of the "Toscana" project regarding certain unacceptable construction conditions, including the fence in front of the entire project, asking if a response had been received. Mr. Saag said that he had not received an answer, but would meet with the developer in company with the Building Official during the course of this week to discuss problem areas and, if necessary, take whatever. action was allowed by Code. • Vice Mayor Michael W. Hill confirmed Commissioner Sorrelli's remarks, advising the developers had made a commitment for an appropriate barrier fence in front of the project, including suitable aesthetic plantings to shield it from view. Mayor Thomas J. Reid advised that while his presentation to the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners citing the reasons (safety, traffic, archeological site, etc.) the Town opposed a county park in the south end of Town ("Milani Property"), had been politely received, the Board's decision was to ultimately build the park. This being a finality, Mayor Reid further advised of a mutual promise of cooperation between the Town and the PBC Board of Commissioners as it project proceeds. The Mayor complimented others who addressed the PBC Board of Commissioners in this regard and, in turn, Commissioner Kane, corroborated by Commissioner Sorrelli, commended Mayor Reid on a comprehensive, logical presentation and a job well done on behalf of the Town. 8. REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney advised that former town manager, Mary Ann Mariano, had dismissed the sexual harassment element of her litigation against the Town; the retaliation element remains intact. Mr. Sliney noted that the Town has always maintained that neither claim was credible. Minutes of Town Commission Regular Meeting December 07, 1999 Paae 5 of 5 Mr. Sliney also introduced a new associate to the Hodgson Russ firm, Jarrett Cooper. 9 REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER Regarding the renewal of the BFI contract, Town Manager Ben Saag advised a Motion was needed to approve a reduction in rates being passed through to the Town's customers. After some discussion, COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/COMMISSIONER LOWS so MOVED, effective January 1, 2000. The Motion met with unanimous favorable roll call vote. Mr. Saag also noted that non-essential services of Town Hall will be closed at 2:30 PM on December 17 for an employee Holiday luncheon. 10. CONSENT AGENDA None. 11. ADJOURNMENT. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mayor Reid adjourned the Regular Meeting at 5:55 PM upon . MOTION by COMMISSIONER SORRELLI/VICE MAYOR HILL. dmt APPROVE: Thomas J. R r Michael W. Vice Mayor ohn J. orrelli, Commissioner G%ccJ~- Paul R. Kane, Commission obert L. Lowe,; mmissioner Attes : ~_ Date : ~~(