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1992.09.15_TC_Minutes_Special,~ TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA • Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission PUBLIC HEARING/SPECIAL MEETING Tuesday, September 15, 1992 5:01 p.m. Mayor Joseph A. Boulay called to order the advertised Public Hear- ing/Special Meeting at 5:01 p.m. in the Commission Chambers at Town Hall. Others present were Commissioners Arlin Voress, Arthur Eypel and John F. Rand. Vice Mayor Bill Paul was absent. Also in attendance were Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano, Finance Director Michael Seaman, Town Clerk Anne M. Kowals and members of the general public. Mayor Boulay, noting this budget process started many months ago, cited the various meeting dates at which the 1992/93 fiscal year budget was discussed. It was further noted tonight's advertised Public Hearing/Special Meeting was scheduled for the purpose of considering adoption of said budget. The Commissioners expressed their delight with the residents who were in attendance at this important budget hearing. The Commission Members and Town Manager addressed inquiries re- • garding the 1992/93 fiscal year budget to the satisfaction of the following residents who posed the questions: Mr. Sidney Richman, 3400 South Ocean Boulevard Mr. Terry Lee, 3719 South Ocean Boulevard Ms. Geraldine Rafelson, 3221 South Ocean Boulevard Mr. Stanley Kopelman, 3201 South Ocean Boulevard Mr. Michael Dent, 3450 South Ocean Boulevard Ms. Joan Stein, 3420 South Ocean Boulevard During discussion, with Fire/Rescue Service Fees being a large expenditure in the Town's budget, it was noted that the Town Mana- ger (who chairs the Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue Advisory Board) and our Town Commission have been working with the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners (which Board has publicly made a commitment on record) to change the method of assessing fees for Fire/Rescue Services to a system based on population rather than the present method which is based on property values in Town. Such change would result in a substantial decrease, in the future, for the Town's Fire/Rescue Service fees. It was further noted that property tax bills are prepared and sub- mitted to the Town's property owners by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office where the assessed value of one's property is determined. Commissioner Rand, citing a referendum which is to be included on the November Election Ballot, advised ~'i Town Commission Public Hearing/Special Meeting Minutes • September 15, 1992 Page 2 of 3 that if said referendum is approved by the voters, the Property Appraiser will not be permitted to increase property taxes more than 3~ per year. The Commission urged all residents to carefully review the sample ballot, particularly language of referendum issues, and study all materials available prior to casting one's vote. Commissioner Rand advised that a few groups (and, especial- ly the "Save Our Homes" organization) will be reviewing the refer- endum pertaining to the Property Appraiser to ascertain if there are any ambiguities in the language. Residents are urged to tune into Channel 12 on the Friday following a Town Commission Meeting to view the videotape of same where any information concerning the November Election Ballot will be discussed and passed on to our citizens. Further, it was noted that every effort will be made to include any available information relating to the November Elec- tion Ballot in the next Town Newsletter which will be prepared so as to be received by residents well in advance of the General Election on November 03, 1992. On behalf of his colleagues, Commissioner Rand extended thanks to all who attended this important budget hearing at which the 1992/93 fiscal year budget was to be considered for adoption. 1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, TO EFFECT A TAX LEVY BASED UPON THE 1992 TAX ROLL OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH. The ordinance, given first reading on 08/04/92 and published on 08/21/92, was read in its entirety by the Town Clerk. MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER RAND/COMMISSIONER VORESS to adopt the ordi- nance as proposed. A roll call vote resulted as follows: Commissioner Voress 'AYE' Commissioner Eypel 'AYE' Commissioner Rand 'AYE' Mayor Boulay 'AYE' The MOTION received unanimous approval. 2. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1992-93, BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1992 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1993. The ordinance, given first reading on 08/04/92 and published on 08/21/92, was read in its entirety by the Town Clerk. COMMISSION- ER RAND/COMMISSIONER EYPEL MOVED this ordinance be adopted as proposed. The following is the result of a roll call vote: r ,~ Town Commission Public Hearing/Special Meeting Minutes September 15, 1992 Page 3 of 3 Commissioner Rand 'AYE' Commissioner Eypel 'AYE' Commissioner Voress 'AYE' Mayor Boulay 'AYE' The MOVE carried unanimously. At this point, Finance Director Michael Seaman presented a Barnett Bank/Barnett Securities, Inc., Resolution to authorize and empower the Mayor, Vice Mayor, Commissioners, Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano, and Finance Director Michael Seaman to establish and maintain Investments Accounts for the Town of Highland Beach. Following brief discussion, COMMISSIONER VORESS/COMMISSIONER EYPEL MOVED to adopt the Resolution. The MOVE was unanimously approved. Mr. Terry Lee, 3719 South Ocean Boulevard, questioned if the Town has a plan to be implemented in case of a natural disaster (i.e. such as happened in South Dade) that causes heavy property damage; how will the Town assist in getting residents back into their homes. While it was noted the Town has a Hurricane Plan (one to protect Town property) relating to what preparation is to be done during a "watch", a "warning", and "after the storm"; Mr. Lee was advised there is no plan regarding residents as the Town has no jurisdiction over what residents do after a storm. It was further • noted the Town does coordinate with area shelters for evacuation. Following substantial discussion, Mr. Lee was invited to meet with the Town Manager to review the improved Hurricane Plan for Charleston, South Carolina, which came about as a result of Hur- ricane Hugo. Also noted was the fact that all the seminars held following Hurricane Hugo have not produced a solution for any future natural disasters. Upon proper MOTION, Mayor Boulay adjourned the advertised Public Hearing/Special Meeting at 6:15 APPROVED• • Jose A. Boulay, Mayor (Absent) Bill Paul, Vice Mayor ~,/ TE ; ~ Ar 'n V ress, ommi ioner A ur ypel, is ioner Date : ~~ ~ ~"".~'"~ M Jo F Rand, Commissioner