Loading...
1992.03.31_TC_Minutes_Workshop~ ~i TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission WORKSHOP MEETING Tuesday, March 31, 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. Others present were Commissioners Arlin Voress, Arthur Eypel and John F. Rand. Vice Mayor Bill Paul was absent. Also in attendance were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano, Town Clerk Anne M. Kowals, and members of the general public. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA Mayor Boulay noted Item 92.7 (discussion re Drexel Property) was deleted from today's agenda per Drexel's written request of 3/24/92. It was the consensus to accept the agenda (which indi- cated the deletion) as submitted. 92.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Mr. Leonard Bell of 2727 South Ocean Boulevard extended congratu- lations to Commissioner Rand (for conducting his campaign in a high class fashion) and Vice Mayor Paul. Noting this is not a political forum but rather a visit between folks, Mr. Bell stated he would like to congratulate all 1,545 people who voted in the last municipal election, 649 of whom cast their ballots for the candidate who ran on a platform of "I am a woman, there is no woman to represent us in the Town; and, I live in a condo." Mr. Bell, noting we have a very capable woman Town Manager and 44 Mem- bers on the 7 Advisory Boards who reside in condos, questioned if there is a lack of communication in the town and how does the town get people who are interested in running to represent the resi- dents of the town. Noting there is a condo mentality in town, Mr. Bell urged the Commission to pay attention to those 649 voters. Mr. Michael Dent of the Casuarina Condominium, noting he did not agree with some of Mr. Bell's comments, stated if women want to serve on the Commission, they have to convince the voters to elect them; and, this Commission has taken care of everyone in Town, it has leaned over backwards to get people interested in the town--it is up to the people to come to Town Hall. `; Town Commission • March 31, 1992 Page 2 of 9 Workshop Meeting Minutes Mayor Boulay, noting comments of both speakers are well taken, stated the town does not seem to be able to get people to partici- pate in meetings; however, if there is something contraversial on the agenda, the residents do come out. Mr. Jose Echeverria of Russell Drive extended congratulations to Commissioner Rand and Vice Mayor who will serve the town for the next two years. Mr. Echeveria, noting the turtle season is here, advised all are invited to participate in a seminar (at which the town's turtle program volunteers will be present) at Gumbo Limbo in Boca Raton on April 15, 1992 at 4:00 p.m. Mayor Boulay, on behalf of the Town Commission, thanked Mr. Jose Echeverria for a job well done with regard to the town's beach and turtle programs. Noting the manatee season is over, the Mayor urged all boaters to use caution is area waters as the manatee is still in the locale. 92.2 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Noting there are two vacancies on the Community Appearance Board, the Mayor requested Members review the current Talent Bank Appli- • cations prior to the April Regular Town Commission Meeting at No correspondence was received from Boards or Committees. 92.3 PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 1. A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, SUPPORTING THE ADOPTION OF STATE LAW PROVIDING REVENUE FOR MUNICIPALITIES TO BE USED SOLELY FOR MODERNIZATION OF RECORDS MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS; EFFECTIVE DATE. which time appointments to said Board may be considered. Following discussion of the proposed resolution, it was the consensus that more information regarding this matter should be obtained prior to the April 07, 1992 Regular Meeting at which time said resolution will be an agenda item for possible consideration. 92.5 DISCUSSION RE J. M. MONTGOMERY, TOWN'S ENGINEERS, RECOMMENDATIONS RE THE TOWN'S WATER PLANT INSTRU- MENTATION SYSTEM/ANCILLARY SYSTEM Commissioner Voress, noting the J. M. Montgomery proposal to up- grade and modernize the town's water treatment plant instrumenta- tion/ancillary systems was explained at length by Engineers Clay Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes • March 31, 1992 Page 3 of 9 Blanton and Bert Bergara at the 2/25/92 Workshop Meeting, advised the Commission that he and Town Manager Mariano had a meeting with the Consulting Engineers to discuss whether the town should consider a slightly less ambitious program, at a cost of approxi- mately $120,000, which would involve installing a computer based unit in the water plant, a remote control radio transmitter unit on each of the 5 sewer lift stations, and providing better intel- ligence on the ground and elevated water storage systems behind the town hall complex. This up-grade would provide greater reli- ability in the town inasmuch as the people who maintain the water and sewer system for Highland Beach are located in Boca Raton across the Intracoastal Waterway. Commissioner Voress suggested consideration be given to include funds for such program in the budget process which is about to begin for the 1992/93 fiscal year. The Commissioner noted a letter dated 3/30/92 indicating this would be the most appropriate way to start the modernization of the water plant's instrumentation system was submitted by the town's consulting engineers, J. M. Montgomery. 92.7 Discussion re Drexel Property As indicated on the agenda, this item was deleted per Drexel's written request of 3/24/92. MISCELLANEOUS - ITEMS LEFT OVER Status of Building Development in Town The Commission received and reviewed the "Status of Building Development in Town", a report prepared by the building official. Minutes for approval at April 1992 Regular Meeting Following review of four sets of Town Commission Meeting Minutes, it was the consensus to move this matter to the April Regular Meeting Agenda for consideration. REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION Vice Mayor Bill Paul Vice Mayor Paul was absent - no report. • '. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes • March 31, 1992 Page 4 of 9 Commissioner Arlin Voress Under his report, Commissioner Voress brought the members up to date with regard to the town's water and sewer system: Waste Water Study - The Town's Comprehensive Plan requires a study of our sewer system to determine necessary improvements or changes. Same is being conducted by the Town's Consulting Engineers, J. M. Montgomery, the town's water plant person- nel, and Earl Harvel of Harvel Utilities Construction. The gravity sewer lines are adequate, lift stations are the limiting factor; there are chloride problems within the sewer system (perhaps caused by cracks and leaking manholes) as well as line and pump capacity problems between lift stations #1 and #3. Potable Water System Study - The study is to determine the capacity to supply water to fire-hydrants in case of a major fire; J. M. Montgomery is working with the Fire Department in this regard. Intracoastal Pipeline Crossing - Palm Beach County Department of Environmental Resource is in receipt of our application for the construction of one 16" pipeline crossing the Intra- coastal Waterway; J. M. Montgomery is looking into types of difficulties other municipalities have confronted in dealing with various permitting agencies. The N.P.D.E.S. - J. M. Montgomery received a draft permit application for the town's N.P.D.E.S. outfall application; everything is moving along well on this matter. Drainage on AlA - The town is looking at the drainage situa- tion along AlA to determine what can be done to eliminate the flooding following heavy rains. 10 Year Water Permit - Regarding limiting condition #20 of the 10 year water permit granted by South Florida Water Management District, J. M. Montgomery is up-dating the moni- toring of the salinity condition; a draft review of this matter is being prepared and should be available for the next Town Commission Workshop Meeting. r 1 LJ Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes March 31, 1992 Page 5 of 9 Commissioner Arthur Eypel Under his report, Commissioner Eypel noted that, following a meet- ing with staff on Friday, March 27, several minor changes have been suggested with regard to improving the Town Newsletter: 1. Address the Newsletter to 'Resident" as opposed to using the 'Name' of a person. This will eliminate Newsletters being returned as "Undeliverable" because of name change at an address. It will also limit the secretarial work involved in up-dating the mailing list. As a result, each apartment and every property in town would be covered by receipt of a Newsletter. 2. In an effort to save postage, the Newsletter would be bundled and delivered to the individual condominium managers (either by the printer or town staff) where residents will have access to same (perhaps at the mail drop or lobby). 3. Staff would like the opportunity to obtain several bids from printers to determine if we can economize on print- ing and secretarial services involved. 4. It was suggested we consider deleting the summer issue (July/August) of the Newsletter as many residents leave town and staff would be hard-pressed for information. The Newsletter would be resumed in the fall. The Mayor, noting a lot of work has been put into making the News- letter most efficient with maximum coverage, stated he would like at least one issue to be prepared during the summer months at which time the town budget is being prepared and issues come forth and many residents do remain in town. A decision as to whether a Newsletter will be produced during the summer was deferred; the next issue of the Town Newsletter will be the May/June publication. Commissioner John F. Rand Commissioner Rand, under his report, noting it was interesting to have a review of the last municipal election, thanked the resi- dents for the record turn-out. The Commissioner stated he fails to see any difference in thinking between condo and single family Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes March 31, 1992 Page 6 of 9 residents in looking out for the best interest of the town. Com- missioner Rand, noting there was never any ordinance or resolution passed by the Town Commission discriminating against condo resi- dents, stated an election should be based on qualifications, ex- perience, etc. With regard to election day in the town, Commis- sioner Rand commended Police Chief Cecere and his Officers for the manner in which they handled the traffic and parking. In order to have more parking spaces available, Commissioner Rand suggested the town's library be closed and the Fire Department not conduct blood pressure readings on an election day. Following substantial discussion of this matter, it was the consensus that the library was not the cause for lack of parking on an election day but rather the candidates and their campaign workers, the election poll workers, town staff, etc.; and, perhaps other arrangements could be made whereby staff, etc., could park at St. Lucy's Church or the Holiday Inn in order to free up parking spaces for voters. Commissioner Rand suggested the Town Manager request the Town's Engineers, J. M. Montgomery, submit a timetable relating to the completion of the installation of the pipeline across the Intra- coastal Waterway. Town Manager Mariano noted it was not appropri- ate to request a timetable from J. M. Montgomery as we have only • contracted with them for design and to provide submission of requests for necessary permits; they have fulfilled their part of that contract. The Commissioner, noting Mr. Chuck Blaine of Adelphia is scheduled to address the Town Commission at the Regular Meeting on April 07, to report on steps to be taken to improve the Cable Television System in the town, requested residents be granted an additional opportunity (apart from the Public Comments and Requests segment of the meeting) to present their questions and make comments re- garding cable matters. It was the consensus to move the draft resolution (requested by Commissioner Rand at a previous Town Commission Meeting) regarding the town's position relative to County Taxes to the April 7, 1992 Regular Meeting Agenda for consideration. Mayor Joseph A. Boulay Mayor Boulay, under his report, advised the town received the "Tree City U.S.A." award from the National Arbor Day Foundation for the fourth consecutive year. The Mayor, on behalf of the Town Commission, thanked Community Appearance Board Chairman Guy Galizia and Members of the Greening of AlA Committee for their efforts regarding this program. t Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes March 31, 1992 Page 7 of 9 Mayor Boulay, noting South Florida Water Management District re- scinded all water restrictions inasmuch as the lake and canals are full to capacity due to the abundant rainfall in South Florida, stated the town will continue to impose its adopted water restric- tions in order to continue conserving its precious water supply. The Mayor reported attending the Municipal League Meeting last Wednesday at which time the volume based assessment for solid waste charges was discussed; it is the League's position that this method is unworkable in its present form. The League also set in motion the mechanism to work in cooperation with the Palm Beach County Commission regarding interrelated planning problems. Mayor Boulay noted the Highland Beach Mini-walk, co-chaired by Victor Hadeed and Dottie Boulay, is scheduled for April 04, 1992 at 9:30 a.m to raise funds for the March of Dimes. The Mayor urged all to participate in this mini-walk. REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney had no report. REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER 1. Agenda Report Form re Atty. Rosenbaum's correspondence of 3/16/92 Following review of the Town Manager's Agenda Report Form regard- ing Attorney Rosenbaum's correspondence of 3/16/92, it was the consensus of the Town Commission to have the Town Manager advise, in writing, that his services are no longer required. 2. Agenda Report Form re Standard Swimming Pool Code The Town Commission reviewed Town Manager Mariano's Agenda Report Form relating to the Standard Swimming Pool Code which recommends adoption of same with the exeption of Section 315, entitled "Enclosure". At the conclusion of substantial discussion, it was the consensus to move the proposed ordinance to adopt this speci- fic code in its entirety (with the exception of Section 315) to the April 07, 1992 Regular Meeting Agenda for first reading. ,a ' ~~ Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes March 31, 1992 Page 8 of 9 3. Agenda Report From re F.S.S. 166.251 Following brief review of the Town Manager's Agenda Report Form regarding a service fee for dishonored checks, it was the con- sensus to move the proposed Resolution to levy a service fee of $20.00 or 5~ of the face amount of the check, draft or order (whichever is greater) for a dishonored check to the April 07, 1992 Regular Meeting Agenda for possible adoption. 4. Agenda Report Form re Amendment to Personnel Rules and Regulations The Commission discussed, at length, the Town Manager's Agenda Report Form regarding amendment to the Personnel Rules and Regula- tions to permit a payroll deduction for an employee who opts to participate in a benefit program which does not cost the town any money but does require a payroll deduction. It was the consensus to amend same by clarifying the language pertaining to payroll deductions and to include this matter on the April 07, 1992 Town Commission Regular Meeting Agenda, under Regular Business (Items Left Over) for further consideration. Town Manager Mariano informed the Commission that the 11th mitiga- tion report relating to Hidden Harbor has been received by the town. The Town Manager further informed the Commission that the Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners has been requested to review the method of assessing Fire/Rescue Service fees to the various participating municipalities. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come at this time, Mayor Boulay adjourned the p.m. upon proper MOTION and SECOND. APPROVED: os~ before the Town Commission Workshop Meeting at 3:20 A. Boulay,-Mayor Bill Paul, Vice Mayor C7 .* ~ ,-~ . Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes March 31, 1992 Page 9 of 9 ores s~`t'Co~1fii s s i o PLrthur Eypel, ~~onez'~, J n and, Co issioner / ~--t.-[.r~~~ Date : /4 AMK •