1965.06.03_TC_Minutes MINUTES: HIGHLAND BEACH TOWN COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 3, 1965
9:00 A.M.
A meeting called by Mayor Hackman to meet with appointed appraiser, Richard Ross,
to discuss and study the evaluation figures of his appraisal report, and to get com-
missioners' opinions or thinking on decisions that will have to be made in the near
future. Commissioners Hackman, Bunn, Noble and Johnson were present. Com-
missioner Jones was absent.
Mr. Ross gave a detailed explanation of all the factors involved in arriving at the
figures, and stated that the appraisal had been made according to all the regular
customary rules, or practice. After a lengthy question period, it was agreed that Mr.
Ross should not be detained, and that after further commission discussion and analysis
of his report it was found that more information was needed, he would be contacted.
Continuing the appraisal discussion after Mr. Ross left the meeting, it was felt that a
date should be set for making the appraisal figures available to property owners, and
for the meetings of the commission as a Board of Equalization. After comparing vaca-
tion plans with business trips, the commission decided, to insure a quorum for the
Board of Equalization meetings, that the tentative dates should be June 28 for re-
leasing appraisal figures, and July 10th for the Board of Equalization meeting, which
would allow the required time for posting of notices. A motion by Commissioner Noble,
seconded by Commissioner Johnson' approving these dates, was passed by the
affirmative vote of all commissioners present.
Town Manager Dailey brought up the subject of water rates. He cited that our town
bookkeeping, auditors reports and engineers analysis all have shown the water plant
is not self- supporting and, that, prior to future correction of the present rate structure,
the differential to large water users should be eliminated. The commission agreed
that selling anything at a loss was not good business practice, and a motion by
Commissioner Bunn, seconded by Commissioner Noble, that the water rate should be
the same to all users, was passed by the unanimous vote of all commissioners present.
He also reported a few isolated cases of firms doing business in Highland Beach who
had refused to get an Occupational License, and that they were trying to influence
other licensed firms to take the same stand. The commission unanimously agreed that
the Town Clerk should start enforcement proceedings on all violators of the Occupa-
tional License Ordinance.
He concluded by saying that action should be taken now on the enforcement of the Lot
Clearing Ordinance to eliminate the unsightly and unhealthy condition of a large portion
of vacant properties due to high weeds and underbrush. The commission unanimously
agreed that the prepared letters should be sent to all owners of any neglected, and
overgrown, lots advising them of the commission's findings and that corrective measures
would have to be taken either voluntarily, or by commission direction. It was also
agreed that a note should be enclosed stating that the town had a local firm available
to clean the lots at a reasonable rate if owners wanted their service.
Questioned about the water plant operation, Town Manager Dailey said that every-
thing was alright at present, but the old equipment, running at close to capacity due
to the dry spell, was always a matter of concern. It was agreed that another well and
pump, which is included in the water plant expansion program, would give relief to the
present system and assurance against future failures, and Manager Dailey was asked
to contact the town engineer for cost figures.
PAGE 2 - SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 3, 1965 - 9 :00 A.M.
Prior to the opening of the Special Meeting, Attorney Henry D. Crowley was introduced
to, and talked with, the commissioners present. He had been suggested, and recom-
mended, for appointment as the Municipal Judge. After a brief discussion, it was agreed
that Attorney Crowley should be contacted, and if he accepted, should be appointed
Municipal judge.
By unanimous agreement, the meeting was adjourned at 11 :30 A.M.
APPROVED:
i
CLEM HACKMAN, MAYOR
FRED BUNN, VICE MAYOR
HAROLD E. JO SON, TOWN CLERK
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U MILDRED NOBLE, COMMISSIONER
ATTEST: G. ARTHUR JONES, CO ISSIONER
TOWN CLERK
U