Loading...
1993.03.02_TC_Minutes_Regularf ,.. TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA ~~ Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, March 02, 1993 1:30 p.m. The Regular Meeting of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, was called to order in the Commission Chambers at Town Hall at 1:30 p.m. by Mayor Joseph A. Boulay. Others present were Vice Mayor Bill Paul, Commissioners Arlin Voress, Arthur Eypel, and John F. Rand. 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. Following roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance was given. ADOPTION OF AGENDA The Agenda, amended to include the presentation of the Town's Annual Financial Audit Report by Haas and Diaz following Agenda Item No. 4 (Approval of Minutes), was adopted, as amended, with- out objection. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The following sets of Minutes were submitted for approval: January 26, 1993 - Workshop Meeting February 02, 1993 - Regular Meeting MOTION by COMMISSIONER RAND/COMMISSIONER VORESS to accept the above sets of Minutes as submitted received unanimous approval. PRESENTATION OF TOWN'S ANNUAL FINANCIAL AUDIT REPORT Mr. Charles Haas and Ms. Debra Diaz of Haas and Diaz, the Town's Auditors, presented the Commission with the Town's Annual Financial Audit Report and advised Commissioners may call their office if they have questions regarding this lengthy report. Not- ing the report is a very comprehensive document, the Auditors prepared a "Financial Highlights" handout citing items they wanted to bring to the attention of the Commission. It was noted Finance Director Michael Seaman received national recognition for last year's Financial Audit Report and the Auditors are happy to assist Mr. Seaman in that endeavor this year. The Auditors advised they reviewed this detailed, complete report with the Members of the Financial Advisory Board at which time the FAB's questions were addressed. r ~ Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes March 03, 1993 Page 2 of 8 At this time, Ms. Diaz briefly explained the handouts the Auditors distributed at this meeting which included graphs pertaining to Revenues, Expenditures, Revenues and Expenditures, and Water & Sewer Operations. Ms. Diaz suggested Members, following their review of the detailed report, call the Auditors Office to discuss any questions they may have. Ms. Diaz extended congratulations to Finance Director Michael Seaman for his efforts regarding this report. The Mayor noted it would be appropriate for Finance Director Michael Seaman to stand up and be recognized for a job well done. Mayor Boulay thanked the Auditors for their attendance at this meeting. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Dr. Ray Murphy of 4023 South Ocean Boulevard addressed the Commis- sion to thank the Members for doing an excellent job in governing our Town. Mr. Jose Echeverria of Russell Drive, noting he has served as the Town's representative on the Palm Beach County Beaches and Shores Council for the last three years, advised the Commission he is • ready to resign his position. Mr. Echeverria advised the March Meeting of the Beaches and Shores Council will be his last meeting and he will gladly take the new representative to said meeting to introduce him to said Council. Mr. Echeverria, head of the Highland Beach Turtle Program, advised legislation will change the start of the Turtle Season to April 1; said season will commence on April 1 and run through October 31. Noting there is much cooperation regarding the Turtle Program, Mr. Echeverria specifically commended the Highland Beach Police Department for enforcing the 'Lights out Ordinance' during turtle season. Mr. Echeverria noted a seminar is being planned by Gumbo Limbo, Boca Raton, and all are invited to join this program on turtles. Noting many people are using the trash containers to deposit debris, Mr. Echeverria stated the Town beach clean-up is coming along nicely. Mr. Echeverria commended Ted Hanna, Maintenance Department Supervisor, and his men for doing a fine job emptying our trash containers. Mr. Echeverria, alluding to a recent problem with seabirds on our beaches, requested anyone seeing a dead or ill seabird call him so r ~ r Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes March 02, 1993 Page 3 of 8 he can get the 'rings' off those seabirds and forward same to Tallahassee. Noting the beach clean-up in Highland Beach is an on going program and volunteers are always needed, Mr. Echeveria thanked Mayor Boulay for his support during these last three years. Mr. Leonard Bell of 2727 South Ocean Boulevard welcomed the Mayor back following recent surgery. Mr. Bell requested the matter of the 'sale' signs on the RTC property be addressed by our Town Attorney during his report. Mr. Bell, noting he would like some answers (in preparation for the Villa Magna Board Meeting) for residents who have questioned why the Town Manager was opposed to a Town Election and, should the Town terminate its contract with Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue Service, will the quality of the service be maintained or be better than what is presently provided to our residents. It was noted Mr. Bell's inquiries will be addressed under reports of the Town Attorney and Town Manager. REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION At this time, Mayor Boulay extended thanks to Vice Mayor Paul for doing a great job in conducting the Commission Meetings in his • absence. The Mayor, noting he watched two meetings on cable, stated same came through very well over Channel 12. Vice Mayor Bill Paul Vice Mayor Bill Paul reported the March of Dimes Mini-walk in Highland Beach is set for Saturday, April 03, 1993. Noting it would be great to have a team from each homeowners association and condominium participating in this event, the Vice Mayor advised information will be available at Town Hall this coming week. The Vice Mayor advised Ms. Jan Sheller of Trafalger Condominium is Chairing this fund raiser for the March of Dimes. Vice Mayor Paul, noting the hurricane season is just three months away, stated too many people do not take this matter seriously despite the recent devastating effects of Hurricane Andrew; many have a false sense of security. It was noted Highland Beach residents complied with the county mandate to evacuate the Town during Hurricane Andrew. With regard to hurricane preparedness, Vice Mayor Paul cited an ordinance adopted by the City of Hallandale requiring the removal of loose objects from balconies. It was suggested this may be a matter for discussion at the next Condo Managers' Meeting. Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes March 02, 1993 . Page 4 of 8 Commissioner Arlin Voress Commissioner Arlin Voress, under his report, alluding to the Vice Mayor's comments on hurricane preparedness, noted the Town had a better than 95~ compliance with the mandated evacuation order during Hurricane Andrew. The Commissioner noted the staff looked at the areas needing improvement (i.e. emergency generators for the Fire and Police Station, etc.) and is now in the process of implementing necessary changes. Commissioner Arthur Eypel n U Commissioner Arthur Eypel extended a welcome to Mayor Boulay on his return to the Commission following his heart surgery. Commissioner Eypel reported, through the efforts of Chief Cecere, the Holiday Inn has agreed to install safes in each room in the motel to help deter the rash of thefts. Commissioner Eypel acknowledged receipt of a letter from Ms. Catherine Wolff of Villa del Alto Homeowners' Association regarding a "No Wake" zone in the Intracoastal Waterway at the South end of Town and noted he responded by mail to assure Ms. Wolff her concern, discussed in the past, will again be addressed in the near future. Regarding Fire/Rescue Services, Commissioner Eypel, noting this matter has been discussed in depth, stated we are trying to save tax dollars but, at no time, would we consider having a service that is less than what we are presently receiving from Palm Beach County. To briefly respond to Mr. Bell's query regarding Fire/Rescue Services, Commissioner Eypel advised, within the next few weeks, Delray Beach Fire Chief Koan will have cost figures for providing such services to our residents. The Town is moving in the right direction to obtain information that will enable us to determine what course is best for our Town. Commissioner Eypel thanked Mr. Jose Echeverria for his contribu- tion to Highland Beach as the Town's representative on the Palm Beach County Beaches and Shores Council where he served in a first rate manner. At this time, Commissioner Eypel urged each and everyone to come out on Tuesday, March 09, to cast their vote in the Municipal Election. Town Commission March 02, 1993 • Page ~5 of 8 Regular Meeting Minutes Commissioner John F. Rand Commissioner John F. Rand, alluding to Dr. Murphy's comments earlier in the meeting, stated this Commission is only as good as the residents it serves, particularly pertaining to resident Jose Echeverria who is one of the most dedicated and unselfish men in our Town; we are fortunate to have a man of his integrity to serve our Town. Regarding Mr. Leonard Bell's quest for an answer to a query posed to him as to why the Town Manager is opposed to the up-coming election, Commissioner Rand, noting that was ridiculous, advised the Town Manager was opposed to holding a Municipal Election for the purpose of presenting a referendum on term limitations for elected officials if there were no oppositions to the qualifying candidates for elected office as such election would not generate the interest of the voters; following discussion of this matter, it was the consensus to postpone the referendum to the next general election should this 1993 Municipal Election be unneces- sary due to lack of candidates' opposition. Commissioner Rand advised the Fire/Rescue issue has been discussed in depth; however, while the Town is trying to save tax dollars, • at no time would the Town consider having a service that is less than what its residents have been receiving from Palm Beach County. Mayor Joseph A. Boulay Noting this will be his last report after serving two terms as Mayor of the Town, Mayor Boulay stated he has some pleasant duties to attend to: one is the presentation of a certificate from the Florida Institute of Goverment to Town Clerk Anne M. Kowals for completing a three year course for Certified Municipal Clerk designation; and, the second is the presentation to the Town recognition as a "Tree City USA for 1992" from the National Arbor Day Foundation. Noting the Town has received this award every year since 1988, the Mayor stated the guiding force behind the first award was former Mayor Betty Jean Stewart. Mayor Boulay, noting residents are proud of our "Tree City USA" and of keeping our Town beautiful, congratulated all for their efforts in regard to said award. Mayor Boulay, reiterating this is his last official report, ex- tended thanks to all who helped him along the way while he was in office. He also thanked all for their concern, good wishes, cards, and calls during his recent surgery. The Mayor further thanked staff for their cooperation, honesty, and hard work during his term in office. Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes March 02, 1993 • Page 6 of 8 REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, under his report, alluding to resident Leonard Bell's comment regarding Keyes Realty Signs on the RTC Property in Town, advised the property has been listed for sale, through RTC's Kansas City Office, for 17.5 million dollars. The Town Attorney advised said property is in litigation and presently before the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER Town Manager Mary Ann Mariano reported Keyes Realty did not obtain the necessary permit for the sign placed on the RTC Property. The Town Manager noted Building Department Secretary Ethel Lenhardt keeps a close watch on the signs posted in Town to make certain required permits have been obtained; Keyes Realty has been advised they must apply for a sign permit. The Town Manager reported she visited all Palm Beach County Repre- sentatives and Aides in Tallahassee on Legislators' Action Day. It was noted the funding for the CCCL issue has been recommended and approved by the Senate and House Appropriations Committees; there seems to be no oppositon for approval of the DNR's request • for funding. Representatives Hanson, Merchant, and Sanderson have been working diligently on this matter. With regard to Fire/Rescue, the Town Manager advised she has been working with the Board of County Commissioners relative to 'opt out dates' for our current contract. Noting we are awaiting figures from Delray Beach (which we feel will be to our benefit) before we can act to opt out of the Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue contract, Town Manager Mariano advises the quality of service will be equal to or higher than we are presently receiving from Palm Beach County. It was noted in Tallahassee it appears the Public Service Commis- sion rate structure bill will be defeated; however, Town Manager Mariano suggested the proposed resolution on the agenda for consideration pertaining to this matter be adopted and copies of same forwarded to appropriate parties. Regarding hurricane preparedness, the Town Manager advised a number of changes have been put in place since Hurricane Andrew: bids are out for reserve generator for Police/Fire Departments, a four-wheel drive was obtained for the island, the Police Depart- ment purchased additional equipment, etc. Town Manager Mariano stated an ordinance providing for removal of objects from balco- nies should be considered. U ~• 1~•' Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes March 02, 1993 • Page 7 of 8 Town Manager Mariano informed the Commission the Condo Managers will be meeting at Town Hall on Wednesday, March 03, to discuss Adelphia Cable's most recent contract with Coronado Condominium. Regarding this matter, it was noted Mr. Chuck Blaine of Adelphia advised the Town should not be involved in the cable contracts between Adelphia and the various condominiums. The Town Manager assured Mr. Blaine when the next Adelphia contract with the Town is up for consideration, the bottom line would be considered but so would the Adelphia promises that were not kept. Regarding a statement made under Public Comments and Requests, the Town Manager advised she never opposed a Town Election where each candidate made an honest effort to campaign for elected office; however, she did inform the Town Commission it would be inadvis- able to hold an election for the sole purpose of a referendum as it would be costly to the Town and such election would not draw the attention of the Town's registered voters. Elections where candidates make their issues/platforms know during campaigns have been, are, and always will be encouraged by the Town Manager. Commissioner Voress stated he received calls from residents who advised they were informed by personnel in the Fire Station that said station will be closing in October if the Town opts to change its Fire/Rescue Services. The Commission emphatically assured the residents the Fire Station will continue to be manned 24 hours per day--it is absolutely incorrect for anyone to state the Town will close the Fire Station. It was suggested Town Manager Mariano write Palm Beach County Fire Chief Herman Brice to apprise him of this matter and request his personnel stop circulating false information. The Town Manager advised Delray Beach will have a fire truck and rescue vehicle staffed with paramedics in our Town Fire Station. Following the suggestion to place a brief message on Channel 12 and in the newsletter to assure residents the Fire Station will remain open, Town Manager Mariano advised this matter will be handled through the Condo Managers Meeting on Wednesday, March 03; a final resolution to Fire/Rescue Service may, in fact, be included in the next newsletter. During discussion, it was noted many residents depend on their condo managers for information and, during the last hurricane, the condo managers worked very close with the Town staff. It was further noted Chief Cecere distributes up-dated hurricane inform- ation packets to condo managers for distribution to all residents. REPORTS - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Mayor Boulay noted the scheduled meetings of the various Town Advisory Boards and Committees. • . .~, Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes March 02, 1993 • Page 8 of 8 PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS 1. A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, OBJECTING TO A PROPOSED STATEWIDE RATE STRUCTURE AND TERRITORIAL DISPUTE JURISDICTION OF THE FLORIDA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OVER GOVERNMENTAL WATER AND SEWER UTILITY SYSTEMS, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Following brief discussion, MOTION by COMMISSIONER VORESS/VICE MAYOR PAUL to adopt the Resolution was approved with "AYE" votes cast by Commissioners Voress, Eypel, Rand, Vice Mayor Paul, and Mayor Boulay. REGULAR BUSINESS Items Left Over None Consent Agenda 1. Approval of Poll Workers for the March 09, 1993 Municipal Election VICE MAYOR PAUL/COMMISSIONER VORESS MOVED to adopt the Consent Agenda. The MOTION carried without objection. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Town Commission at this time, upon proper MOTION, Mayor Boulay adjourned the Regular Meeting of the Town Commission at 2:50 p.m. APPROVED: Commissiondr Art ur Eypel ~. Co r ohn F. and; Attest: v4 .--~ ~.c~ '~oseph A`.~/ Boulay, Mayor B' 1 Paul, Vice Mayor Commissioner Arlin Voress i Date : ~~C ~ ~