2012.02.08_PB_Minutes_Regular" '•m
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF THE
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PLANNING BOARD
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REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 9.30 AM
Members Present: Chair Carol Stern, Vice Chair Ilyne Mendelson, Board Member
Ronald Clark, Board Member Carl Feldman, Board Member Stephen Golding, Board
Member Ronald Rajsky, and Board Member William Svenstrup. Also Attending: Town
Attorney Glen Torcivia, Deputy Town Clerk Valerie Oakes and members of the public.
CALL TO ORDER:
Chair Stern called the Regular Meeting to order at 9:30 AM. Roll call was taken by
Deputy Town Clerk Oakes followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ADDITIONS. DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
Chair Stern asked for any additions, deletions to the agenda, hearing none, called for a
motion to accept the agenda as presented.
MOTION: Member Golding moved to accept the agenda as presented. Vice Chair
Mendelson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REOUESTS:
No public comments.
PRESENTATIONS•
• Welcome Board Member Ronald Rajsky
Chair Stern welcomed new board member Ronald Rajsky and introduced new Town
Attorney Glen Torcivia.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
e January 11, 2012 — Regular Meeting
Chair Stern called for a motion to approve the minutes of January 11, 2012, Regular
Meeting.
MOTION: Member Feldman moved to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2012,
Regular Meeting. Vice Chair Mendelson seconded the motion, which passed
unanimously.
Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 Patte 2 of 6
The Board discussed item 7A prior 6A.
NEW BUSINESS:
A) Application #28387 — 2395 South Ocean Blvd.; Krishna and Sumentra Persaud
SITE PLAN REVIEW/APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE, RESIDENTIAL SINGLE-
FAMILY ESTATE LOTS (RE) ZONING DISTRICT APPROXIMATELY 11,159
SQUARE FEET (A/C). TOTAL SQUARE FEET 15,095.
ARCHITECT: THE BENEDICT GROUP
Chair Stern read the title of the application
Member Feldman commented that he reviewed the plans and that the Building Official
approved the plans and it seemed that the plans are in compliance with the code. Chair
Stern agreed with the Building Official's recommendation to approve the site plan.
Member Svens= had no objections to the approval of the plan; he found that the side
yard setbacks are in excess of the "zero lot line" code requirement, and found that the
estate was attractive, which would make a great addition to Highland Beach.
Building Official Desorcy explained that the plans met the requirements of the Town of
Highland Beach Ordinances; therefore, he had no objection for the Board to approve the
plans.
MOTION: Vice Chair Mendelson moved to accept the plans as submitted. Member
Clark seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
A) Discussion on the Strategic Plan — Member Clark, Facilitator
Member Clark distributed copies of the draft strategic plan that he created and presented
the plan to the Board. (Strategic Plan — Exhibit `A')
Vice Chair Mendelson thought the plan was very impressive. She explained that several
residents have expressed their concerns with the waterway, and requested adding this
goal to the primary goals section while leaving the item in the secondary goals section.
Member Feldman concurred. He suggested working with the City of Boca Raton
regarding the high wakes, and complemented Member Clark on his work. Member Clark
and Chair Stern had no objections.
Chair asked if there were any objections to the addition, hearing none, called for a motion
to approve the plan.
Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 Page 3 of 6
MOTION: Member Golding moved to approve the draft strategic plan. Vice Chair
Mendelson seconded the motion.
Discussion:
None.
Roll Call:
Member Golding
- Yes
Vice Chair Mendelson
- Yes
Member Raj sky
- Yes
Member Svenstrup
- Yes
Member Feldman
- Yes
Member Clark
- Yes
Chair Stern
- Yes
Motion carried 7/0.
Member Clark explained that the plan would be sent to the Town's management and staff
for their review and design, therefore, the document may not be presented before the
Board for further discussion.
NEW BUSINESS (continued):
Member Svenstrun distributed a copy of his recommendation for an alternative to
political signs. He read aloud the document for the record, "Early February, in Highland
Beach, we see the sprouting of political signs. Understanding the protection of free
speech and the need to inform voters of the candidacy it has been our historic practice to
allow candidates to put up signs in Highland Beach. I would like to discuss a possible
alternative. Each candidate running for office could prepare for themselves a one -page
resume and another page stating their plans and objectives. During election season, the
Town of Highland Beach could erect three glass -enclosed bulletin boards that would
display this information. The first one could be placed outside of Town Hall's front
entrance. The second could be placed outside the entrance of the Town Library. The
third one could be placed outside for the pedestrians using the pathway. We could also
offer to the candidates that their photograph, resume and political objectives be
advertised in the Highlander. This would reduce the cost for running for office and at the
same time putting all candidates on a level field. The change would improve the flow of
information and better educate the voting public, but most importantly we would keep
signs of lawns and keep Highland Beach a pristine Town all year round."
Chair Stern deferred the issue to the Town Attorney.
Attorney Torcivia explained that this is an issue of the Commission. In review of case
law, restricting political signs is a risky business. The Town cannot have a blanket
prohibition on signs. If the Commission wants to regulate signs, it will take extensive
research.
Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 Paee 4 of 6
Vice Chair Mendelson is in favor of political signs
Member Feldman informed the Board that a current candidate suggested that all the
candidates could agree amongst themselves to not erect political signs. The alternative
would be to advertise on the Town's government channel.
Member Rajsky asked the Town Attorney if the Town could control the amount of signs
that are erected. Attorney Torcivia responded that extensive research is required so it is
impossible to enact an ordinance prior to this year's municipal election. There have been
lawsuits over these similar issues. The ordinance will affect the state and national
candidates; the Town cannot restrict freedom of speech only to the candidates of a local
election. Chair Stern added that these restrictions could not impose on property owners.
Member Svengrun stated that these were possible alternatives not regulations;
eliminating signs would be a code of conduct.
Member Golding was in favor of using the Town's government channel for political
advertisement.
Vice Chair Mendelson explained that she is an attorney and knows the legal process,
restricting political signs would be challenged and the cost to litigate would be excessive.
Member Clark questioned if other municipalities restrict signs. Member Svenstruu has
not conducted research. Member Clark expressed that this is an item for the Commission
to discuss not the Planning Board.
Member Feldman felt that the candidates should govern themselves, but the Town could
make these alternatives available.
A member of the audience requested to speak before the Board on the topic of political
signs. Chair Stern explained that the Public Comments portion was over and that this
was not the time for public comments.
Chair Stern asked the Town Attorney to give an overview of the Sunshine Law and the
Public Records Law.
Attorney Torcivia gave a brief presentation on the various laws. Chair Stern asked how
many states have the Sunshine Law. Att. Torcivia responded that other states have
different variations, but Florida has been at the forefront of this law for years.
Member Feldman inquired if two board members on different boards talk to one another
about town business, would it be a Sunshine Law violation. Att. Torcivia replied that the
member would be speaking as a citizen.
Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 Page 5 of 6
There was further discussion if the public should be allowed to comment at this time.
Attorney Torcivia informed the Board that they could make a motion to allow the public
speak.
MOTION: Vice Chair Mendelson moved to open the floor to public comments
regarding political signs. Member Feldman seconded the motion.
Discussion:
Member Clark was not in favor of the Board hearing political statements.
Attorney Torcivia cautioned the speaker, whom is a candidate running for office, that this
is not a forum for a political speech.
Roll Call:
Vice Chair Mendelson - Yes
Member Feldman - Yes
Member Raj sky - No
Member Svenstrup - Yes
Member Clark - No
Member Golding - No
Chair Stern - No
Motion failed 3/4.
ADJOURNMENT:
Chair Stern adjourned the meeting at 10:20 a.m.
[This portion intentionally Ieft blank.]
Planning Board Regular Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, February 08, 2012 Paste 6 of 6
APPROVED:
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Carol Stern, Chair
Ily4eendeIson, Vic�eC hai
Ro Clar , Bo d Me er
Carl eldman, Board�elS?fiber
Ronald Rajsky, Board Member
illiam !§-TensJp6p, Board MenKr
TOWN SEAL
ATTESTED:
Valerie Oakes, CMC
Deputy Town Clerk
Date:
(C-Xh#'6i4- A,
PLANNING BOARD PRESENTATION
FEBRUARY 8, 2012
STRATEGIC PLAN TEMPLATE/DRAFT
PRESENTATION STATEMENT
The Planning Board of highland Beach was charged by the Town Commissioners with
the task of developing goals to be included in a three year strategic plan for the Town.
The Town Commissioners asked for suggestions of a few goals of high priority and that
may be achievable in a three year period.
The Planning Board accepted the assignment and proceeded to obtain information from
multiple sources to develop goals and to begin the task of creating a strategic plan
design for the Town management to complete for presentation to the Town
Commission. The Planning Board did not have any previous experience with such
matters nor was there a prior plan offered for review and modification.
The Planning Board proceeded to collect ideas in the following manner:
1. Meet with all other Boards for ideas.
2. Meet with all Town managers.
3. Review the suggestions of the populace based on results of the Town survey
program.
4. Conduct public meetings for the purpose of idea presentations for any interested
member of the community.
Following is a compilation of ideas and manageable goals along with a suggested
format of a Strategic Plan for presentation to the Town managers for final draft and
presentation to the Town Commissioners for approval.
HIGHLAND BEACH STRATEGIC PLAN
PURPOSE:
During FY 2011, the Town Commission of Highland Beach committed manpower and
limited resources to develop a three year strategic plan to create short term goals that
provide direction for the continued success and enhancement of the Town's quality of
life vision for the residents.
Highland Beach is a small residential community along the coast and straddling State
Road A1A between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. The Town
provides multiple services in the areas of safety, fire protection, ambulance service,
water and sewage, library and building management. There is only one commercial
property within the Town limits and no public schools. Highland Beach is truly a
residential community with numerous condominium, townhomes, co-op and private
homes along the waterways.
The purpose of this plan is to better serve the needs of the people that reside in
Highland Beach on a full time and seasonal basis.
(Expandable in final draft)
VISION: (desired future state)
The Town of Highland Beach is a residential community striving to provide the highest
quality of living standards for present and future residents. There is an exceptional
residential character to Highland Beach and a pride of the quality of life offered in the
community.
• Security and Safety: Improve the standard of police excellence and enhance
safety for pedestrian, bicyclists and motorists.
• Community Enhancement: Maintain the residential face of the community with
signage and lush landscaping.
• Financial Stability: Provide for the Town to operate within budget.
• Cultural Value: Maintain and improve library services, meeting places and
provide for cultural events.
• Infrastructure: Improve the main walkway through the town, continue to improve
water service, upgrade fire equipment, and provide for sitting parks to enhance
the community.
(Expandable in final draft)
MISSION: (who we are; what we do; and for whom we do it)
Our mission is to maintain and improve the focus of Highland Beach as a premier
beachside residential community. We provide excellence in government and services,
we have trained and responsive employees and we have a significant base of
volunteers and leaders dedicated to the residents. Our quality of life provides a base for
high value properties we are dedicated to maintain.
(Expandable in final draft)
VALUES: (guiding principles and behaviors)
• Health, safety and community well-being
• Exceptional safety services
• Fiscal responsibility
• Protecting the residential face of the community
• Honesty, integrity and professionalism in government
(Expandable in final draft)
KEY BUSINESS DRIVERS (Major areas of customer requirements critical to mission
success)
For completion by Town management
Examples: resource management issues, equipment readiness, communication,
marketing, and customer service
STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS: (future conditions and performance levels)
Primary goals of Strategic Plan:
• Address a highway plan to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and
bicyclists
• Repair and repave the Town walking path and provide water and covered resting
stops
• Improve Town's entryway signage
• Address use of reserves to balance budget
• Provide for a sitting park along A1A
• Renovate Town Hall
OBJECTIVES: (quantifiable ways of measuring goal attainment)
For completion by Town Management and Commission
MANAGEMENT GOALS FOR IMPLEMENTATION: (supporting the strategic plan)
Primary management goals
• Charter review commission
• Update policies and procedures for all departments
• Review underground utility options
• Sell Boca parcels
• Review spacing and renovations for Town hall and Police
• Review automated pay -by -phone systems
• Improve operations of Building Department through automation and increase
Building Department revenues
• Review expansion of the library to improve service
• Review web site updates
• Promote cross training
• Implement accreditation for police
OBJECTIVES FOR MANAGEMENT GOALS
For completion by Town Manager
SUGGESTIONS FOR INCLUSION IN STRATEGIC PLAN
Secondary items for the up list and ongoing plan renewal:
• Improve code requirements for signage, street markings and mailboxes
• Establish fire training programs for high rise condominiums
• Improve water taste and pressure
• Review public transportation options
• Establish a waterway review committee to work with other municipalities to
oversee joint water way concerns
ACTION PLANS: (details of specific actions to be taken to obtain objectives)
These plans are developed by the responsible party which outlines the specific actions,
resources and coordination necessary for objective accomplishment. These plans are
critical to strategic planning success. They also serve as guides for staff should others
need to take over responsibility for a specific objective.
MEASUREMENTS AND INDICATORS: (information that tracks performance and
measures success)
Reported monthly to the Commission
