Loading...
1992.08.25_TC_Minutes_Workshopr~ . ~^ _ ii TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission WORKSHOP MEETING Tuesday, August 25, 1992 1:30 p.m. Mayor Joseph A. Boulay called the Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, to order in the Commission Chambers at Town Hall at 1:30 p.m. Also present were Vice Mayor Bill Paul, Commissioners Arlin Voress, Arthur Eypel, and John F. Rand. Others in attendance were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano, Town Clerk Anne M. Kowals and members of the general public. ADOPTION OF AGENDA The Commission accepted the Agenda as submitted. 92.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mr. Jose Echeverria of Russell Drive, noting he and his family walked the beach following Hurricane Andrew, reported on the beach condition in various areas and noted Highland Beach made out pretty well during the storm. Mr. Echeverria, head of the Town's Turtle Program, advised that, as of the end of July, there were a total of 693 turtle nests many of which are in the dunes. Mr. Elihu Mantel of Russell Drive directed his inquiry to the Adelphia Cable representatives and questioned why his t.v. reception is of such poor quality. STATUS REPORT REGARDING CABLE T.V. IMPROVEMENTS PRESENTED BY ADELPHIA CABLE REPRESENTATIVES Adelphia Cable Representatives Chuck Blaine and Jim Vernon were in attendance to present the status of the Cable T.V. improvements. In response to Mr. Mantel's inquiry, Mr. Blaine noted reception service calls are now very minimal. Mr. Blaine, alluding to the converter box exchange the weekend of August O1, apologized for having been out of town at that time; • Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes August 25, 1992 Page 2 of 8 however, he noted Adelphia had qualified personnel handling said exchange. Mr. Blaine will submit a list of Adelphia's executives and a copy of their buisness plan as it relates to the changes in Highland Beech as per Commissioner Voress' request. Mr. Blaine advised that, as people return to Town, Adelphia will handle the converter box exchange on an individual basis. It was further noted by Mr. Blaine that, during the Hurricane Andrew scare, Adelphia's fears were for Highland Beach; the Town was very fortunate to have been spared. Adelphia's crew checked out the area on Monday (August 24, 1992) and are now making any necessary repairs. It was noted that new cable channel guide cards have been deliv- ered to Town Hall. Same include two new channels (Nickelodeon and Comedy Central) which will come on line as of September O1, 1992; Pay Per View Service is also available. Vice Mayor Paul, having a problem with Channel 2 (as did other re- sidents on Russell Drive), received an unsatisfactory answer when he phoned Adelphia. The Town Manager, as requested, contacted Mr. Blaine regarding this matter and the problem, caused by a loose exterior connection, was rectified. The Vice Mayor, noting his reception is very good, stated he is concerned with Adelphia's staff not knowing what is going on. Mr. Blaine explained they have a staff of 50 answering calls from as far South as Highland Beach all the way North to Fort Pierce and said operators will not have a good grasp of what is going on; they try to do the best they can with the information they have (the technician is the one with the information). Commissioner Rand noted he agreed with comments regarding the mis- handling of the converter box exchange and he hopes it will not happen again. The Commissioner noted he was pleased to advise there was no delay incurred with cable service once the electric was restored following Hurricane Andrew. Further, Commissioner Rand expressed his pleasure with the educational channels, AMC, and the two additional channels starting on September O1. He also noted that his reception has greatly improved. Following discussion relating to Mr. Mantel's inquiry, Mr. Jim Vernon advised they have to assess the entire situation and they will send a technician out to his residence this evening. Commissioner Voress advised his reception has been much improved by the up-graded system. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes August 25, 1992 • Page 3 of 8 92.2 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Mayor Boulay, noting there are no existing vacancies on Town Boards and Committees, advised there are seven active Talent Bank Applications on file. The Mayor urged the applicants to attend meetings of the Board of their choice. Mayor Boulay, noting the Commission generally meets on a Tuesday, advised the next Regular Meeting of the Town Commission will be held on Wednesday, September 02, 1992 due to the Primary Election which is scheduled to take place in the Commission Chambers on Tuesday, September O1, 1992 from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 92.3 PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 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 above ordinance, given first reading on 08/04/92 and published on 08/21/92, was read by title only by Mayor Boulay. Same will receive final reading and consideration at the September 15, 1992 Public Hearing/Special Meeting at 5:01 p.m. • 2. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AP- PROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1992-93, BEGINNING OCTOBER O1, 1992 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1993. The proposed ordinance was given first reading on 08/04/92 and was published on 08/21/92. Same was read by title only by the Mayor. This ordinance will receive final reading and consideration at the September 15, 1992 Public Hearing/Special Meeting at 5:01 p.m. 92.4 DISCUSSION RE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER NEWSLETTER Following review of the September/October Newsletter, it was the consensus to include Commissioner Rand's request regarding Reso- lution No. 606. Extending congratulations to Deputy Town Clerk Doris Trinley for a fine product, the Commission directed said Newsletter be prepared for mailing to Town residents. MISCELLANEOUS - ITEMS LEFT OVER Status of Building Development in Town The Commission reviewed the Status of Building Development in Town, a report submitted by the Building Department. n LJ Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes August 25, 1992 • Page 4 of 8 Minutes for approval at September 1992 Regular Meeting Three sets of Minutes were reviewed and moved to the September 02, 1992 Regular Meeting Agenda for consideration. REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION Vice Mayor Bill Paul Vice Mayor Paul, under his report, acknowledged receipt of a letter from South Palm Beach County Jewish Federation requesting a proclamation from the Town regarding the 25th anniversary celebra- tion of the reunification of the City of Jerusalem. It was noted the Town did respond to their request. The Vice Mayor commended Town Staff on their attitude and helpful- ness this past weekend in preparation for Hurricane Andrew. Vice Mayor Paul noted many residents left Town for the summer without clearing their balcony/patio of outdoor furniture; this can create a hazardous condition during severe storms which may result in serious injury/damage to an individual and/or property. Commissioner Arlin Voress • Commissioner Voress echoed the Vice Mayor's comments regarding Town Staff. The Commissioner, noting there was no power to the gas pumps and the Police Department during the power outage, sug- gested we run a temporary circuit through (also look at re-piping) to avoid such problems in the future. Further, noting the emer- gency equipment performed well during the hurricane, Commissioner Voress congratulated the Water Department personnel. The Commis- sioner stated the Police Department did a great job in alerting all residents regarding the mandatory evacuation order. Noting the Town had better than 99~ compliance with said order, Commis- sioner Voress congratulated our residents. Commissioner Voress gave an up-dated status report regarding the CCCL matter noting Engineer Erik Olsen came to Highland Beach at the request of the Concerned Citizens of Highland Beach who have engaged him to make a study of the beach front. The Town of Mana- lapan informed our Concerned Citizens that Engineer Campbell re- viewed the DNR reports and found them to be poorly presented. Commissioner Voress advised that the Town of Highland Beach, Town Manager Mariano, and he have been trying to organize a coalition of coastal communities; positive responses have been received from U . , Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes August 25, 1992 Page 5 of 8 Palm Beach, South Palm Beach, Manalapan, Ocean and Highland Beach. The Towns will contribute sources (i.e. Town Managers, Staff, Town Attor; Members of the Concerned Citizens will provide will have a 'Steering Committee' regarding the CCCL. Ridge, Boca Raton, the human re- neys) while the their efforts; we approach to the Through the Town Managers, arrangements will be made to man tables at the Primary Election to get petitions signed (by the voters) which will be sent to the Governor and his Cabinet. Commissioner Voress noted he spoke to Attorney Kolins (representing commercial and coastal properties in Palm Beach) and requested he join our group rather than our group joining his group. Commissioner Voress urged everyone to exercise their right to vote on September O1, 1992 in the Primary Election. The Commissioner noted two candidates are running for the House of Representatives seat in our district (i.e. Carol Hanson and Bill Andrews). Commissioner Arthur Eypel Under his report, Commissioner Eypel commended the Administration for doing their job in a commendable fashion in preparing for the • threatening hurricane. The Commissioner, noting it appears many people in Dade County are in need of emergency assistance, sug- gested Staff check with Palm Beach Emergency Operations to deter- mine where there may be a central location for donations of food, clothing, etc. When the central location is determined, the in- formation will be placed on our Government Channel 12 for benefit of our residents. Commissioner John F. Rand Commissioner Rand, alluding to Commissioner Eypel's comments, sug- gested the Pastor of St. Lucy's Church be contacted regarding do- nations for the hurricane victims. The Commissioner added his congratulations to Town Staff and commended Chief Cecere and the Police Department for their evacuation efforts. Commissioner Rand requested that J. M. Montgomery representatives be invited to a Commission Meeting in September/October to give an up-dated report regarding the proposed second pipe line across the Intracoastal Waterway. The Commissioner, upon questioning the scheduled Monday garbage and recycling pick-up which did not take place due to Hurricane ,~, ., Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes August 25, 1992 Page 6 of 8 Andrew, was advised that any pick-up not made due to some 'forced measure' is postponed to the next week; however, Mayor Boulay an- nounced that County Sanitation did arrage a pick-up on this date (Tuesday). Mayor Joseph A. Boulay Mayor Boulay, echoing the sentiments of the Town Commissioners, thanked the Police Department, Water Department, and Town Staff for their efforts over the weekend. Noting the Town experienced an electric outage during the hurri- cane, the Mayor stated the lawn sprinkling ordinance is still in effect; it was suggested residents reset their irrigation systems so as to be in compliance with the Town ordinance. Mayor Boulay, having extended an invitation to State Representa- tive Carol Hanson to attend this meeting, invited Ms. Hanson to address the Commission. State Representative Carol Hanson thanked the Town Manager for being a front runner in the battle with the State regarding the CCCL and noted her office is working to get a new hearing before • the DNR when all citizens return to Town. Ms. Hanson noted her appreciation of our efforts re the CCCL and encouraged all to notify the Governor and the six Cabinet Members of our objections. Ms. Hanson hopes to be our representative following the election. It should be noted that Ms. Hanson has assisted us on numerous occasions despite the fact that she does not represent our district. Commissioner Rand advised he is grateful for the redistricting because Ms. Hanson will be representing our district. The Commis- sioner noted Ms. Hanson has always helped in our battles and causes; many admire her for that very reason. Commissioner Voress, alluding to Commissioner Rand's statement, advised that the citizens are concerned with regard to the CCCL issue and noted Ms. Hanson is the lead person in Tallahassee who helped us. The Commissioner stated "we look for your continued support and we look forward to help you and have you represent us". With regard to the CCCL, Ms. Hanson noted that with the economic study, we will be able to prove a point--the DNR has acted irrationally. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Augusts 25, 1992 Page 7 of 8 REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY Under his report, Town Attorney Sliney stated we will see differ- ent coalitions trying to work together with regard to the CCCL issue (i.e. A Real Estate Members coalition, developers coalition, etc.); with all working towards a common objective. REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER Town Manager Mariano, in response to Commissioner Rand's inquiry relating to three Palm Beach Attorneys representing commercial interests and coastal properties, advised we will invite them to join in our efforts; should they join our group, we will fund areas that we think are more vital. The Town Manager noted the meeting scheduled for Monday, 8/24/92, regarding the CCCL will be rescheduled. Town Manager Mariano advised she attended the Florida League of Cities Meeting in Miami where she spoke with other managers as well as Secretary of State Jim Smith with regard to the CCCL matter. There is a lot of good movement and good help coming from Boca Raton. We will meet and put together a packet of 7 letters (we will have tables at the Primary Election Polling Sites where citizens can sign said letters) for submittal to the Governor and Cabinet Members. All letters will be delivered at once, at a time that will make a big impact. It was noted that volunteers to man the tables would be appreciated; anyone interested in volunteering should contact Town Hall at 278-4548. Anyone not voting in the Primary Election for whatever reason, may come to Town Hall to sign the letters. The Town Manager advised she was in contact with Police Chief Cecere and Utilities Director Jack Lee since the early hurricane warnings. Town Staff worked to protect the Town's interests. The Town Manager thanked J. J. Ambridge and Braemer Isle for use of their third floor facilities by our Police Department during Hur- ricane Andrew. Town Manager Mariano advised that, during the recent hurricane, Boca Raton was ready to open the interconnect to Highland Beach to provide water if necessary. Further, during the electric outage when it was not possible to pump gas, Boca Raton offered to fill our police cars with gas. The Town Manager noted she connected with one concerned person at FPL who arranged to restore our electricity. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes August 25, 1992 Page 8 of 8 Town Manager Mariano extended thanks to the residents who complied with the mandatory evacuation order. It was noted that residents who remained in Town should be aware they not only put themselves in jeopardy but they also put their neighbors' property in jeopardy. • A meeting will be held on Friday, August 28, at 10:00 a.m. at which time the Town Manager will discuss with Town Staff the 'short falls' experienced during Hurricane Andrew. The Town Manager commended all Staff and Town Commission who stayed in touch during the storm. Town Manager Mariano noted she will discuss the matter of removing outdoor furniture from balconies/patios with Condo Managers at their next meeting. The Town Manager will obtain information regarding emergency centers set up for donations to Dade County hurricane victims. The Town Manager welcomes suggestions that can be implemented for future emergencies. It was noted the beach in Town made out very well during this major storm as the resulting damage was inland and not on the beach; this should give the DNR some insight as to what happens on the beach. At Commissioner Voress' suggestion, the Town Manager received a round of applause for the manner in which she handled the recent emergency. In response to Commissioner Rand's inquiry, the Police Chief advised the mandatory evacuation order is given by the County Civil Defense Agency. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Boulay adjourned the Work~hng,~Meeting at 3:00 p,~m. APPROVED: Joseph A."Boulay 1 Paul, Vice Mayor Arlin Vor s, Commissioner Date : oti'. ~