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1994.11.29_TC_Minutes_Workshop~ "~•,~ 4, t TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission WORKSHOP MEETING Tuesday, November 29, 1994 1:30 PM The Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, was called to order at 1:30 PM in Commission Chambers by Mayor Arlin Voress. Others present were Commissioners Arthur Eypel, David Augenstein and John F. Rand. Vice Mayor Bill Paul was absent. Also in attendance were Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano, Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney and members of the general public. Deputy Town Clerk Doris Trinley was Recording Secretary. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA At the Mayor's suggestion, discussion of the Community Appearance Board recommendation regarding Section 23-7(6)(c) [Permitted Signs] of Chapter 23 [Signs and Advertising] was moved to immediately follow Public Comments. There was no objection. 94.1 PUBLIC COI~IlKENTS AND REQUESTS None. f 94.2 (2) Correspondence: Community Appearance Board Memo of 10/31 re Section 23-7(6)(c) [Permitted Siansl of Chapter 23 [Signs and Advertising] . Speaking on behalf of the CAB's recommendation that real estate signage in Town be reduced to a size of 9" x 12" and printed black on white, Chair Elvine Gordon first addressed the panel and presented to them various photographs she had taken of real estate signage. She explained that she had taken the first series of photos, which were presented in sequential order at varying distances, while driving AlA in Hillsboro Beach, a coastal municipality much like Highland Beach, where small, black on white real estate signs are used exclusively. Ms. Gordon asked the members to notice that the Hillsboro signs were readable at all distances in the photos. Next she addressed the real estate signage in Town, where 3 sq.ft. real estate signs, in colors representing individual real estate companies, are allowed per Code. Ms. Gordon again directed the members to photos she had taken on AlA and on Town side streets, asking that they note the proliferation of such signs. In one photo, three (3) signs appeared on one property; in another a "sold" sign was attached. i ~ Town Commission Workshop Meeting - Minutes November 29, 1994 Page 2 of 4 In the course of her presentation, Ms. Gordon noted that in the CAB's opinion, the large size and variety of real estate signs in Town was aesthetically displeasing; also, it was not the Town's responsibility to be a "billboard" for the real estate industry. Beth Dullaghan, Director of Governmental Affairs for the Realtor Association of South Palm Beach County, then made her presentation to the Commission, wherein she noted that her organization would prefer that real estate signage in Town remain as is. She noted that certain real estate agencies are recognizable by distinct designs and colors, and that the larger signs are easier for a passing motorist to spot. In this regard, she said several agencies had been contacted and asked their statistics regarding AlA properties only; combined results showed that customer response to their signs was 60%. Ms. Dullaghan also referred to the Florida Real Estate Commission's (FREC), regulations, specifically No. 61J2-10.025 (attached hereto), which refers to real estate advertisements including the licensed name of the brokerage firm. Concluding presentations and discussion, several requests were made by the Commission and the Town Manager: 1. Get statistics on customer response from the smaller real estate signs used in Hillsboro Beach. 2. A copy of the Hillsboro ordinance re real estate estate signage and how long it has been in effect. 3. Explain how statistics re 60% response to signage was calculated and arrange in print form. 4. Put in writing what the Realtor Association of South Palm Beach County would like to see allowed in Town Code re real estate signage. The respective parties agreed to provide this information in a timely manner. Mayor Voress then assured there was ample time for this issue to be thoroughly reviewed by the Commission, in that the proposed ordinance re Chapter 23 [Signs and Advertising] would have first reading at the Regular Meeting December 6, and would not be con- sidered for adoption until the Regular Meeting on January 3, 1995. 93.8 Discussion re Adelphia Cable Attorney Cormac Conahan of Hodgson Russ, addressed the members with regard to the pending Adelphia Franchise Proposal. Substantial Town Commission Workshop Meeting - Minutes November 29, 1994 _ Paae 3 of 3 discussion took place regarding certain aspects of the proposal, as well as new technology emerging on the market and its impact on the Town's consideration of any new cable franchise. Mr. Conahan shared his knowledge of the new miniature satellite dishes, including all inherent costs associated with same. Questions regarding the Adelphia proposal were answered the Commission's satisfaction. In conclusion, Mr. Conahan advised that a counter-proposal to Adelphia was in order, which he and the Town Manager would develop and present to the Commission within a month's time. 94.2(1) Board Vacancies Mayor Voress noted Richard Seguso was eligible for reappointment to the Board of Adjustment and had expressed interest in this regard. This matter will considered at the December 6 Regular Meeting. 94.3 Proposed Ordinances and Resolutions The Mayor advised that the proposed ordinance providing for an increase in utility rates regarding solid waste (Garbage, Trash and Recycling Charges) will be given final reading and considered for adoption at the December 6 Regular Meeting. (First reading 11/O1; published 11/15). 94.4 Discussion re Fall Issue of Newsletter The issue was approved for distribution with minor changes. A discussion regarding the inclusion of information about pending litigation in the Newsletter was concluded with Mayor Voress advising the Town Commission would personally make itself available to individual condominium/homeowner associations for this purpose. 94.7 Discussion re Librarv Foundation None. MISCELLANEOUS - ITEMS LEFT OVER The Status of Building Development in Town was received as information. Two sets of Minutes were forwarded to the Regular Meeting agenda for possible approval: October 25, 1994 - Workshop Meeting November 1, 1994 - Regular Meeting REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION Commissioner Eypel complimented Ms. Gordon and Ms. Dullaghan on their respective presentations regarding the proposed Sign Ordinance. He also reminded residents of the 4th Annual Government . , Town Commission Workshop Meeting - Minutes November 29, 1994 Page 4 of 4 Open House scheduled for Thursday, December 8, and invited all to attend. There were no reports forthcoming from the other Commission members, or from Attorney Sliney. REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER Ms. Mariano noted former Vice Mayor John J. Basso's passing on November 23, and extended sympathy to his family. She advised that she will arrange for an appropriate memorial reflecting his long service to the Town, which will be presented to Mrs. Basso. Other items under the Manager's report included the Municipal League Barbecue in Belle Glade, which she encouraged all members to attend; delay of Holiday decorations at Town Hall due to extra work for the Maintenance Department re the righting of trees felled by Tropical Storm "Gordon;" and an invitation to all residents to attend the 4th Annual Government Open House on December 8. There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, the meeting was adjourned upon proper Motion at 2:50 PM. dmt /~ ~, .~ .~ APPROVE : ~ ._.~~,-j~ ~~ ~_. ~_._-. - -. Arlin G. Voress, Mayor -AB3ENr- Bill Pa 1, Vice May r ~. `L ~,/1, Arthur Eypel, mm'ssioner David Augenste(ix'~ Commissioner . Rand, Commissioner ATTEST: DATE: