1995.11.28_TC_Minutes_Workshopr
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, November 28, 1995 1.30 P M
Mayor Arlin G. Voress called the Workshop Meeting to order in
Commission Chambers at 1:30 P.M.
Town Clerk Doris Trinley called the roll. The Mayor, Vice Mayor
Bill Paul and Commissioners David Augenstein, Arthur Eypel and John
F. Rand were present.
Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano were
also present, as were members of the general public.
ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
The Agenda was accepted as amended to include remarks from bond
counsel regarding the recent bond issue; a revised space needs
presentation for the Town Hall complex by Gee & Jenson; and
discussion of the Winter edition of the Town's Newsletter.
• BOND ISSUE
Bond Counsel Mark Raymond advised that all pertinent documents
regarding the bond issue were now executed, and outlined the
procedure which would follow regarding wiring of funds and
cancellation of the Town's promissory note to the Resolution Trust
Corporation.
95.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND RE UESTS
Felix Goldenson, a resident of Seagate Condominium, again addressed
problems of flooding on AlA in front of Seagate in heavy rains. He
said he had brought the matter to the Town because he felt it was
a Town problem, not a Seagate problem, and not one that Seagate
should bear any part of the cost of correcting. Mr. Goldenson then
referred to the Seagate Manager's discovery of a copy of a letter
from the Department of Transportation dated 1984, and addressed to
the then Town Manager, which indicated the DOT would be willing to
do what was necessary to correct the flooding problems. In
response, Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano advised she was not aware
of the letter until she received a copy from the Seagate Manager.
She advised she had already been in touch with the DOT, who said
they would research why nothing had been done. Ms. Mariano assured
that she would continue to follow up and share with Seagate
whatever information was forthcoming.
• Town Highland Beach
Workshop Meeting - Minutes
November 28, 1995 Page 2 of 4
Frances Visco, owner of the Seacliff Motel at 3511 S. Ocean Blvd.,
asked the Commission to consider giving her permission to display
a "Rooms for Rent" sign to include two phone numbers. She said
that in addition to the new sign ordinance regulations,
construction adjoining the property (south side) had created a
hardship which prevented her from renting any rooms since July of
this year. The Commission agreed to take her request under
advisement; however, it was noted that no other complaints had been
received from similar motel operators.
GEE & JENSON REVISED SPACE NEEDS PRESENTATION
Gee & Jenson's Mike Flattery presented the revised space needs
study for the Town Hall complex, after which lengthy discussion
took place. Overall, the Commission expressed displeasure with the
plans, particularly as regards cost. And although it was noted
that this was a preliminary presentation, it was the consensus of
the Commission that a Special Workshop would be in order to discuss
the issue with Building Official Ed Hardy and at least two (2)
builders/developers who are familiar with the Town and current
construction costs, as well as Gee & Jenson representatives.
• 93.8 DISCUSSION RE ADELPHIA CABLE
Regarding Adelphia Cable, Attorney Sliney said there was nothing
new to report.
95.2 BOARDS & COMMITTEES
Under Boards & Committees, Mayor Voress advised of two (2)
vacancies on the Board of Adjustment: Jane Rayner's 6-year term is
completed; Neil Burd is eligible for reappointment. The Mayor
asked that the Commission be prepared to take action on the
vacancies at the December 5 Regular Meeting.
95.3 PROPOSED ORDINANCES & RESOLUTIONS
There were no Ordinances or Resolutions under consideration.
DISCUSSION RE WINTER EDITION OF TOWN NEWSLETTER
The Winter edition of the Town Newsletter was reviewed; it was the
consensus that it was ready for mailing.
94.7
Discussion of the Library Foundation started with Commissioner
• David Augenstein reading a statement into the record, included in
which was a recommendation that a survey be taken to get residents'
• Town of Highland Beach
Workshop Meeting - Minutes
November 28. 1995 Page 3 of 4
input, which the Commission could then take into consideration in
determining the Library's future. (Attached to and made part of
these Minutes.)
Lengthy discussion took place following the Commissioner's remarks,
which included the work of the Ad Hoc Start-Up Committee thus far.
It was also the consensus of the Commission that the Town Attorney
proceed with the timely filing of the Articles of Incorporation to
ensure use of the name "Highland Beach Library Foundation."
MISCELLANEOUS - ITEMS LEFT OVER
The Status of Building Development in Town was received as
information.
One (1) set of Minutes (November 07 Regular Meeting) was moved to
the Regular Meeting Agenda for possible approval.
REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION
Vice Mayor Bill Paul and Commissioner John F. Rand had no report;
Commissioner David Augenstein's report was given at the start of
• the Library Foundation discussion.
Under his report, Commissioner Arthur Eypel welcomed back winter
residents and reminded all of Government Open House to be held
Thursday, December 7 from 10 AM to 3PM. The Commissioner also read
a statement into the record regarding the vision and leadership
that would be needed to bring the Town into the 21st century.
(Attached to and made part of these Minutes.)
Mayor Arlin Voress also welcomed back winter residents. He then
complimented the outstanding job done by Town Manager Mary Ann
Mariano in her presentation of a comparison of County library-
related facts and figures with the Town's, which illustrated the
cost efficiency of the Town's operating its own Library, as well as
the convenience afforded its residents.
The Mayor also gave an update on the RTC bidding process re "Hidden
Harbor," saying he had been advised that they should be awarding a
bid shortly.
REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY
Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney advised that items he had planned to
address had already been previously discussed during the meeting.
Town Commission
Workshop Meeting - Minutes
November 28, 1995 Paae 4 of 4
REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER
Town Manager Mariano noted the Boards Appreciation Luncheon on
December 1 and Government Open House on December 7. She then
welcomed discussion of the Bel Lido Property Owners Association's
request to install a total of eight (8) downward-placed, low
wattage lights on the Bel Lido Bridge, which would improve the
safety factor for those using the bridge after dark. It was also
noted that the Association would bear the cost of installation, but
the Town would maintain it in the future, which was considered to
be a minimum maintenance expenditure. This item was moved to the
Regular Meeting Consent Agenda.
Ms. Mariano congratulated Finance Director Michael Seaman, noting
he had been awarded a "Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in
Financial Reporting" by the Government Finance Officers Association
for the fourth consecutive year.
At Mayor Voress' request, Ms. Mariano then read her memorandum
regarding the aforementioned library comparisons into the record.
(Attached to and made part of these Minutes.)
There being no further business to come before the Commission at
• this time, Mayor Voress adjourned the Workshop Meeting at 3:20 P.M.
upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER AUGENSTEIN/COMMISSIONER EYPEL.
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APPROVE: / ~~ -
Ar in G. oress, Mayo
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Bi 1 Paul, Vice M yor
Dav'd Au enste' Commi Toner
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Arthur Eypel, omm ssioner
" hn F and, Com issioner
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