1993.08.31_TC_Minutes_Workshopf , ~ a
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, August 31, 1993 1:30 p.m.
Mayor Arlin Voress call the Workshop Meeting of the Town Commis-
sion of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, to order at 1:30 p.m.
in the Commission Chambers at Town Hall. Others present were
Commissioners Arthur Eypel, John F. Rand, and David Augenstein.
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, CMC, and
members of the general public.
Following roll call, Mayor Voress recessed the Workshop Meeting at
approximately 1:35 p.m. for the purpose of holding an advertised
Public Hearing to obtain citizen input regarding Adelphia Cable
Services.
Mayor Voress reconvened the Workshop Meeting at approximately
2:40 p.m.
ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
The Agenda was unanimously accepted as written.
93.1 PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
At this time, no one addressed the Town Commission.
93.2 BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
Mayor Voress, noting there are no vacancies on the Town Boards and
Committees, acknowledged receipt of a Planning Board Memo of
8/11/93 recommending Special Exception for boat davits requested
by resident Aldo Ruscito of 4229 Intracoastal Drive. It was the
consensus to schedule an advertised Public Hearing at 1:30 p.m. on
October 05, 1993.
93.3 PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 2 ENTITLED "ADMINISTRATION" SECTION
2-76 (a) REGARDING THE COMMUNITY APPEARANCE BOARD;
CHAPTER 20 ENTITLED "PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT" SECTION
20-26 (a) REGARDING THE PLANNING BOARD AND SECTION 20-46
REGARDING THE BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, OF THE CODE OF
ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
REGARDING REGULATION OF MEMBER ABSENCES OF THE AFORESAID
BOARDS.
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Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
August 31, 1993
• Page 2 of 5
The proposed ordinance, given first reading on 8/03/93 and
published on 8/20/93, was read by title only. The consensus was
to include this matter on the September Regular Meeting Agenda for
possible consideration.
2. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, TO
EFFECT A TAX LEVY BASED UPON THE 1993 TAX ROLL OF THE
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH.
The ordinance received first reading on 8/03/93 and was published
on 8/20/93. Same, read by title only, will be the subject of an
advertised Public Hearing at 5:01 p.m. on Friday, September 03,
1993.
3. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1993-94, BEGIN-
NING OCTOBER 1, 1993 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1994.
The ordinance, given first reading on 8/03/93 and published on
8/20/93, was read by title only. Same will be the subject of an
advertised Public Hearing at 5:01 p.m. on Friday, September 03,
1993.
• 4. RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE COMPREHENSIVE
PLAN AMENDMENT COORDINATED REVIEW INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT
AND THE MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL ISSUES COORDINATION FORUM
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR OF THE
TOWN COMMISSION TO EXECUTE SAME.
The resolution was read by title only. It was noted this document
is for resolving Intergovernmental disputes; it is acceptable to
Palm Beach County Municipal League and the Palm Beach County
Commission. The resolution will be on the September Regular
Meeting Agenda for possible approval.
93.4 Discussion re September/October Newsletter
The Commission, having reviewed the draft of the September/October
Newsletter, directed it be prepared for mailing to our residents.
MISCELLANEOUS - ITEMS LEFT OVER
Status of Building Development in Town
Members received and reviewed the Status of Building Development
in Town, a report submitted by the Building Department.
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Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
August 31, 1993
• Page 3 of 5
Minutes for approval at September 1993 Regular Meeting
Three sets of Town Commission Meeting Minutes were reviewed and
moved to the September Regular Meeting Agenda for possible
consideration.
REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION
Vice Mayor Bill Paul
Vice Mayor Bill Paul was absent - no report.
Commissioner Arthur Eypel
Commissioner Arthur Eypel reported on the recent Palm Beach
Countywide Beaches and Shores Council Meeting attended by Ms. Jane
Rayner, the Town's alternate representative to said Council, at
which meeting the dredging in South Palm Beach Inlet and the Shore
Protection Project in Ocean Ridge and Manalapan were discussed.
The Commissioner noted Ms. Rayner submitted an article on 'Sea
Lice' which appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Asso-
ciation and is available for review in Town Hall.
• Commissioner Eypel acknowledged receipt of a letter from resident
Maggie Chappelear regarding 'Real Estate Signs'. Following brief
discussion, it was the consensus to have the Community Appearance
Board review our sign ordinance and submit their recommendations
to the Town Commission. To assist in this review, the Town
Clerk's Department will request copies of model 'Real Estate Sign'
ordinances from minicipalities similar to Highland Beach.
Commissioner John F. Rand
Commissioner John F. Rand had no report.
Commissioner David Augenstein
Commissioner David Augenstein reported attending the Palm Beach
County Commission Public Hearing on August 17, 1993, regarding the
proposed amendment of the Wetlands Protection Ordinance and the
proposed Gasoline Tax issue.
Mayor Arlin Voress
Mayor Arlin Voress, under his report, stated the County is consid-
ering a new "Interim Service Fee Ordinance" to collect fees from
newly constructed properties that are not, as yet, on the tax
roll.
The Mayor noted the Town's 'emergency generator' is hooked up and
delivery of the switch gear is expected within the next month.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
August 31, 1993
• Page 4 of 5
Regarding the Intracoastal Waterway Pipeline, the Army Corps of
Engineers' permit, approved for five years, was included in a
blanket permit due to expire in 1995; therefore, the Town will
request assurance that said permit is placed on the next blanket
permit. It was noted the Health Department permit, which required
modification re location of the line, has also been received. The
Town, in possession of the required permits, is now in a position,
if it so desires, to prepare documents to go forward for bids on
this project. The Mayor advised Clay Blanton of Montgomery-Watson
will attend the September Workshop Meeting to give a status report
on this issue.
Mayor Voress advised, regarding the 20 samples taken from various
Town residents for Lead and Copper testing, the Health Department
requires a final report within 60 days as well as a corrosion
study within the following six months to determine if the water
quality is causing any problems. Residents who participated in
the testing will be advised of the results as soon as possible.
The Mayor noted the asbestos cement pipe running through the Town,
identified by Montgomery-Watson, will be looked into with our
sewer contractor.
• REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY
Discussion re Charter Revision Ordinance
Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, noting the Commission previously
approved a number of amendments to the Town Charter, stated a
draft ordinance addressing this matter will be prepared for first
reading at the September Regular Meeting. Said ordinance will be
reviewed at the September Workshop with possible adoption taking
place at the October Regular Meeting. The Town Attorney will file
the amended and restated charter with the Secretary of State's
Office in Tallahassee; it will be submitted to the Municipal Code
Corporation for placement in the Town's Code of Ordinances.
REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER
Discussion re Financial Advisory Board
Town Manager Mariano requested direction from the Town Commission
with regard to the Financial Advisory Board Chairman's request ro
review the 'Long Report' which was written in a way whereby it
remains current and continues to maintain the integrity of the
study.
During discussion of the matter, Commissioner Rand stated that,
following the FAB's in depth discussion of the 'Long Report', the
FAB advised the Town Commission in April 1991 they felt no changes
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
August 31, 1993
Page 5 of 5
were necessary. It was the consensus of the Commission that a
review at this time is not necessary and the Town should continue
with the present method of determining annual compensation for its
employees.
It was noted the Town Manager and Town Attorney are scheduled to
meet with the owner/representative of the delapidated structure at
the South end of Town to have the condition remedied as soon as
possible.
• The public was invited to attend the advertised Public Hearing for
the 1993/94 f.y. budget set for Friday, September 03, 1993, at
5:01 p.m. in the Commission Chambers. It was noted the milage
rate for this budget will be reduced.
ADJOURNMENT
APPROVED: ~r ~ - r~~~` ~ _
Arlin Voress, Mayor
Town Manager Mariano reported the Florida League of Cities Confer-
ence held in Fort Lauderdale August 13-16, 1993, was a success.
It was noted data on several issues of interest to the Town,
discussed at the Conference, has been placed on the clipboard in
the Commission Office at Town Hall.
The Town Manager advised the Delray Beach Fire/Rescue Service is
on track and Delray Fire Chief Kerry Koen will attend our Septem-
ber Workshop Meeting to introduce key members of his staff who
will become familiar faces to our residents. It was noted the new
Highland Beach owned rescue vehicle will be on display on the day
of the Workshop Meeting. The actual "takeover" is scheduled for
4:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 1993.
There being no futher business to come before the Town Commission
at this time, Mayor Voress, upon MOTION, adjourned the Workshop
Meeting at 3:20 p.m.
Vick Mayor
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Arthur EypB Co~lis9ioner
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F . Ran, Commi s i er
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INITIAL RESPONSES TO TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH LETTER DATED AUGUST 4, 1993
1. ADELPHIA'S PRESENT RATE SCHEDULE:
Broadcast Basic (15 Channels) $10.95
Standard Service (37 Channels) $18.95
includes Broadcast Basic
Premium Services
Home Box Office $10.95
The Movie Channel 9.00
Showtime 9.00
Disney 7.00
Additional Outlet $ 2.50
Additional Standard Service Outlet 3.00
Additional Equipment 2.50
Currently, 338 homes (10~) subscribed to standard service.
The remaining 90~ are served under bulk service agreements.
There are no homes that subscribe to only the Broadcast Basic
• level of service.
2. ANTICIPATED CHANGES IN RATES UNDER THE 1992 REVISIONS TO THE
CABLE ACT OR OTHERWISE.
Cable rates at this time cannot be raised until November 15,
1993;. Preliminary computations using the benchmark formulas
established by the FCC, indicate that the current prices will
be within these benchmarks for a system the size of Highland
Beach. On a per channel basis, the rates in Highland Beach,
are less than those being charged by Adelphia Cable in the
rest of Palm Beach County.
HIGHLAND BEACH
BROADCAST BASIC
STANDARD SERVICE
$.73 PER CH.
$.51 PER CH.
PALM BEACH CO.
$.83 PER CH.
$.58 PER CH.
Due to the volume of rules relating to rate regulation, and
the still unfinished rules to be established by the FCC, no
rate adjustments affecting individual subscribers are being
planned at this time.
3. PLANS FOR UPGRADING PLANT AND EOUIPMENT
As the Commission may be aware of, over the last two years,
Adelphia Cable has rebuilt the plant serving the Town, as well
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as, upgraded the equipment. The recent upgrade also allowed
Adelphia Cable to introduce state-of-the-art addressable
converters into the system. The system is now capable of
passing 450 MHz which should meet the market needs for
services for many years to come.
4. PRESENT CHANNEL LINE-UP AND ANTICIPATED NEW OR ALTERNATIVE
CHANNEL LINE-UPS.
A copy of the current line-up is enclosed. Since Adelphia
acquired the system from Centel Cable, the following channels
have been added.
Equipment for the Highland Beach Government Channel
The Disney Channel
American Movie Classics
The Family Channel
Sports Channel Florida
Turner Network Television
The Discovery Channel
Nickelodeon
Comedy Central
Sunshine Network
Pay-Per-View Information
Request I Pay-Per-View Service
Adelphia Cable will continue to monitor additional programming
• as it becomes available, as well as, continually solicit
feedback from our customers for future market needs.
5. ANY PLANS FOR SALE OR CONSOLIDATION OF THE HIGHLAND BEACH
SYSTEM.
No plans of this type are being considered or solicited.
6. HOW ADELPHIA WILL ADDRESS THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE RESIDENTS OF
THE TOWN; AND.
As shown by the channel expansion, and recent upgrading of the
Highland Beach system, Adelphia Cable is continually striving
to keep abreast of the changes in the cable industry, both
from a technical and programming standpoint.
We are fortunate in Highland Beach to have a Town Manager's
office that provides continual input from residents'
inquiries, since most of our customers may be seasonal in
nature, our Commercial Development Coordinator also receives
input.
Direct solicitation of feedback is accomplished through
newsletters that provide feedback forms and through mail-
pieces provided by installation and service personnel.
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7. THE PRESENT MANAGEMENT TEAM AND ANY CHANGES IN THE MANAGEMENT
TEAM RESPONSIBLE FOR ADELPHIA'S HIGHLAND BEACH SYSTEM.
No changes are anticipated except for normal attrition and
promotion opportunities for our employees.
\memos.986
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We have approximately 20 ~responses~ The concerns and suggestions
were consistently based on the following:
- Need for a "prevue guide channel"
- Lack of channels with specific requests like Bravo
SciFi, Encore, MAX TBS,TDC, WEA, WGN,WOR
- Obsolete equipment
- High cost of second and additional sets in a unit
- Credit for down time
Poor reception
- Standardized rates
- Lower rates
- Busy Phone Lines
- Lack of coverage of Marlins games on Sunshine
- Need for a spanish station
Staff would like all of these concerns addessed during our franchise
negotiations and further will request that the next franchise agree-
ment provide for additional items i.e.:
- An escalating scale to require the provision of additional
channels at times certain in order to assure utilization
of the line capability.
- A provision which will require the franchisee to research
and provide the latest technology to its subscribers.
• - An equal standards clause which will require the franchise
holder to make available to Highland Beach any service
offered in other of their service areas.
- Revenues based on definitive terms as will be addressed
by our Finance Director momentarily.
- Provision which will require certain local channels be
maintained to "serve the public interest" which would
include local news, weather and evacuation notices in case
of emergency.
The Town has been collecting all data necessary to explore the feasi-
bility of purchasing and maintaining a municipally owned system and
we will continue to explore this and all other options available to
us.
I would now like to call on Michael Seaman who will make comment as
to the financial aspects of any new franchise agreement the Town may
consider.
(MICHAEL)
Thank you, that concludes the staff report at this time.
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