2015.10.06_TC_Minutes_Regular TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, October 6, 2015 1:30 PM
Mayor Bernard Featherman called the Regular Meeting to order in the Town Commission Chambers at
1:30 PM.
CALL TO ORDER:
Roll Call: Members present: Mayor Bernard Featherman; Vice Mayor William Weitz, Ph.D;
Commissioner Carl Feldman; Commissioner Louis P. Stern; and Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker. Also
present: Town Attorney Glen Torcivia; Town Manager Beverly Brown; Town Clerk Valerie Oakes; Police
Chief Craig Hartmann; Finance Director Cale Curtis; Public Works Director Edward J. Soper; Interim
Library Director Suzi Hayes and members of the public.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was given, followed by a minute of silence.
Civility Pledge: The Civility Pledge was recited by the Town Clerk.
1. ADDITIONS,DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
Mayor Featherman called for any additions or deletions to the agenda.
Item No. 3 —Town Manager Brown would like to introduce the new Library Assistant, Lois Albertson.
Receiving no further additions or deletions,the agenda was accepted as amended.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REOUESTS:
Carl Gehman, 1123 Highland Beach Drive—I would like to compliment this Commission on the great
job they did with the budget.
Ira Oaklander, 1000 Russell Dr. — On September 21St, a public forum was held at the Delray Public
Library and chaired by State Senator Maria Sachs regarding boating safety and stricter boating
regulations. I would like to thank Commissioner Stern and Town Manager Brown for inviting me to
attend. The main point brought up was the need for a slow boating zone along our congested four
miles of the Intracoastal Waterway to protect our fragile ecosystem, the manatees and mangroves and
to prevent costly destruction of our seawalls. The other point was a need for boating safety and
Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 6,2015 Page 2 of 12
education for teens. We have a sympathetic ear with Senator Sachs. I am asking the Commission for
your support
in endorsing a petition directed to State Senator Maria Sachs, and all other responsible agencies, to
finally designate our waterways as a slow speed zone. Commissioner Stern has been fighting and
discussing this issue for over 10 years. We are petitioning for a sign, "Slow Speed - Minimum Wake".
It will save lives and money.
Peter Rodis, 3224 S. Ocean Blvd. — I also spoke with Senator Sachs, and she is interested in helping
us as well. The Library has many new programs. Interim Library Director Suzi Hayes is doing a
wonderful job.
3. PRESENTATIONS:
Town Manager Brown introduced the new Library Assistant Lois Albertson and gave a brief
description of her background and credentials. Library Assistant Albertson thanked everyone and is
looking forward to meeting the residents of Highland Beach. Interim Library Director Haves stated
that Lois Albertson has been a volunteer at the Library for many years.
Commissioner Feldman — I want to welcome Lois Albertson. At this time there is no need to discuss
the outside company LSSI, and we should give Lib. Assistant Lois Albertson and our Interim Lib. Dir.
Hayes our full support.
Commissioner Stern — Welcome to Lois Albertson. I also concur that we should no longer have
negotiations with LSSI.
Vice Mayor Weitz — I would also like to welcome Lois Albertson and compliment Interim Lib. Dir.
Hayes on the fine job she is doing in the Library.
Commissioner Zelniker— I had the pleasure of meeting Lois Albertson last week. I would also like to
compliment Interim Lib. Dir. Hayes on the wonderful turtle exhibit displayed in the Library.
Mayor Featherman—Welcome aboard. We take pride in our Library and would like to see it grow.
4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
A) Board Correspondence:
• None
B) Board Action Report:
• Town Clerk Oakes read the report into the record.
C) Board Vacancies:
• Financial Advisory Board—Unexpired Term Ending October 2017
Talent Bank
Ronald Robbins, 4511 South Ocean Blvd. gave a brief description of his background and is
looking forward to serving his community.
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Tuesday, October 6,2015 Page 3 of 12
MOTION: Commissioner Feldman moved to appoint Ronald Robbins to the Financial
Advisory Board. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stern, which passed unanimously.
D) Monthly Board Meetings:
• Financial Advisory Board—October 20'h—9:00 AM
• Town Commission Workshop Meeting—October 27'h— 1:30 PM
• Code Enforcement Board—October—TBD
• Town Hall Closed: October 12t`—Columbus Day
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
None.
6. CONSENT AGENDA:
None.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
A) Commission to Consider Authorizing Staff to Prepare a Bond Referendum Question to be
Included with the March 2016 Election, Proposing Complete Replacement of the AIA
Walk Path.
Town Manager Brown — In both the fiscal year 2013 and 2014, the Town made significant
repairs to the walk path to mitigate the liability of a trip/fall hazard along the path. The repairs
were done with a short term mindset in anticipation of a complete replacement of the walking
path. The Capital Improvement Plan adopted with the 2014/2015 budget proposed this project
be completed in two phases. The Town Commission eliminated the requested funding from the
2015/2016 fiscal year budget for the first phase, which was to hire an architect, and requested
staff to investigate cost estimates to replace the walk path using various methods. Per the
Town's Charter, a bond referendum would need to be placed on the 2016 ballot prior to this
proposed project being fully funded.
Commission Discussion:
Comm. Zelniker— It is time to put this into a referendum to our community. We should have a
survey from the owners who have property in front of the walkway letting us know if they would
prefer blacktop, concrete or pavers. Perhaps we could put the three options and price in the
referendum for a vote.
Comm. Feldman — We just did extensive work on the walkway, and it should be fine for now. I
think we could do this in 2017. What would the cost be to place this on the ballot? Town
Manager Brown — Somewhere between $8,000 and $12,000. Comm. Feldman — Would it be
beneficial to put out an information flyer to the people when we have figures, and ask them what
type of walkway they would prefer, rather than put it into a referendum before we have any
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Tuesday, October 6,2015 Page 4 of 12
general consensus? Town Manager Brown— We could send a survey out to the residents to see
if they want the new walkway, what type of surface they would like and the cost. Comm.
Feldman—I would rather do that before we put it on a referendum.
Comm. Stern — There is no question that we need a new walking path. I believe we had a
consensus during our budget hearings that the path should be done. I think it would get too
complicated if you put the type of surface in the referendum. It is either a yes or no on the
dollars. The cost would come in somewhere around one million dollars depending on the
surface. I am not sure if we have enough time to be able to get it on the ballot.
Vice Mayor Weitz—I am in complete agreement that we need a new walkway. The issue is that
we are asking the residents to vote on a project that there is no concrete information on. Do we
want pavers, concrete or asphalt, and what is the cost? We should have input from the public as
to what would be the preferred method, and what the cost is going to be, before we put it out for
a referendum.
Mayor Featherman — I am in agreement with Vice Mayor Weitz. We need to have all the
information and what people want before we go to referendum.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Weitz moved to authorize the Town Manager to prepare a survey to be
presented to the residents of Highland Beach with the options for paving our walkways and the
approximated costs, and to gather the data so we could consider that in determining a referendum
question at a later date. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Feldman.
ROLL CALL:
Vice Mayor Weitz - Yes
Commissioner Feldman - Yes
Commissioner Stern - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Mayor Featherman - Yes
Motion carried 5 to 0.
A) Recommendation from Staff Regarding the Code of Ordinances section(s) on Public Notice.
Town Manager Brown — We have had some recent inquiries regarding notices on variances and
site plans. I researched other towns in Palm Beach County, specifically Boca Raton, Gulf
Stream, Hypoluxo and Lantana, and found that they do the same type of notices as Highland
Beach for variances. Notices are sent out to the properties located within 300 feet as well as a
legal notice posted in the Palm Beach Post. The applicant is responsible for obtaining the
information from the Property Appraiser's Office as well as the cost of the mailings and legal
notice. Notices are not sent out for site plans; they go to the Planning Board for review. These
regulations have been on record since prior to the year 2000. It is my recommendation we go no
further with this.
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Tuesday, October 6,2015 Page 5 of 12
Commission Discussion:
Vice Mayor Weitz — There should be some type of publication to notify residents that this
information is posted on our website. This could be published in the Highlander informing the
residents where and when these various boards and committees take place, and they are invited
to attend.
Comm. Stern — Boca Raton posts a bright yellow sign on the property indicating that there will
be a hearing for a variance. I sent a picture of this sign to Town Manager Brown. We could
develop a sign that could be placed on the property.
Comm. Feldman—I agree with Comm. Stern regarding the sign. We should stay with our Code
Ordinances and not change them.
Comm. Zelniker— Many residents do not go on the website. Based on the complaints we heard
from the residents at the last hearing, I feel there should be a letter sent to the residents within the
300 feet indicating that there will be a meeting regarding a site plan application. It does not have
to be a registered letter.
Comm. Feldman—Placing a sign on the property would inform the residents within the 300 feet.
MOTION: Commissioner Feldman moved to keep the present procedures and add the yellow
sign to be placed on the property. Motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Weitz.
Commission Discussion:
Comm. Zelniker—A sign on the property is not valuable. Sending a letter notifying the residents
is. The sign could be a safety hazard since there are people driving and on bicycles.
Comm. Stern — The color of the sign is a very bright yellow. You can't read the sign, but there
are big letters that say VARIANCE HEARING. We do not need to change any of our rules at
this time.
Town Manager Brown— The people who complained at the last hearing were not within the 300
feet of the property, and would not have been noticed. Also, who would pay for the cost of these
mailings and the time involved? Would it be the responsibility of the Town or the applicant?
ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Feldman - Yes
Vice Mayor Weitz - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - No
Commissioner Stern - Yes
Mayor Featherman - Yes
Motion carried 4 to 1.
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B) Commission to Authorize the Mayor to Sign a Contract with Susan Bucher, Palm Beach
County Supervisor of Elections for the March 15, 2016 Highland Beach Municipal
Election, which will be held concurrently with the Federal Presidential Preference
Primary.
Town Manager Brown — Yesterday, I received a call from the Supervisor of Election notifying
me that even though this past summer they agreed to hold the elections on Town property, one
precinct to be here in Town Hall and one precinct to be in the Library, she withdraws that
approval. The election will be held at St. Lucy's Church, and because it is a Presidential
Primary, we have no choice in the matter. The Commission just previously agreed not to hold a
referendum for the March 2016 election. The qualifying period for the one Commission seat that
is up is in November. I would like to hold this until the December meeting, because if we do
not have to have an election, I do not want to have a signed contract with the Supervisor of
Elections as she charges for everything she does for us. So, if we do not have a contract with her
prior to this, and we don't need to have an election, then we do not need to sign this. With the
Commission's approval, I would like to hold this until the December meeting.
Commission Discussion:
Vice Mayor Weitz — I would like a clarification. The Supervisor of Elections initially said that
we would be holding our elections in the Library and the Town Hall. One precinct in each
facility. Yesterday she informed you that we are going back to St. Lucy's Church, on what basis
and what grounds? Town Manager Brown—That we do not have enough parking here for 1,000
voters on the day of the election, and the Presidential Primary is her choice. Here choice is not
to have it here. Vice Mayor Weitz — That may be, and she might have the authority and that
power, but I am going on record as saying that is a horrendous decision in my professional
opinion as a Vice Mayor. Number one, many people vote today by absentee ballot or advanced
ballot by mail. You do not have massive turnouts in this Town, at any one time, which cannot be
handled by the existing facilities of the Town Hall and the Library. I participated for 12 hours
sitting in their parking lot, and I can show you pictures that there might have been six or seven
cars in the lot at any time throughout the day. I understand that this is the Presidential Primary,
so we multiply that to 10, 15 or 20 cars. The reality is that it is a horrendous decision in my
opinion. I am using the word horrendous because there have been many issues over the years
that have been expressed by candidates, as well as the public, as to holding our municipal civil
election in a religious facility. Separation of Church and State is important, and to simply
suggest that because we don't have sufficient parking, which is a guess, to allow us to move
ahead with that other alternative, I think is a false and an unfortunate decision. I am on public
record. To me, we moved ahead with the idea that she authorized that change, and now coming
back to the original decision based on something that has been promulgated for years, and there
is no data or evidence that it is a truism. I am upset with hearing that. I understand Town
Manager that it is not your decision. I feel that if there is anything this Town can do to object or
show their displeasure, I would support that. Town Manager Brown — I will send her a copy of
the minutes.
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Tuesday, October 6,2015 Paae 7 of 12
Commissioner Feldman —The only question I have is did the Commission get approval from the
church to have it there, because at the last election there was talk that they did not want us to
have it there. Town Manager Brown— She stated that she sent an application form to St. Lucy's
Church, and she received it back with their approval.
Commissioner Stern — I know exactly where some of the Commissioners are coming from
because I heard the comments, not first-hand but second-hand. It would be nice to try and have
the elections that is not in a place of worship. However, St. Lucy's has graciously over the years
allowed us to be there. The parking is adequate and the facility is good. A candidate that is
running would have one location to man, not two such as one at Town Hall and the other at the
Library. If I understand it correctly, the okay for the Town to hold the election in two locations
did not come directly from Susan Bucher, Supervisor of Elections but from her staff. She is not
backing her staff on this. She stated that it is her election, and it is her decision. That is what I
heard. I do not see where we have a choice in this next election.
Commissioner Zelniker — I am a firm believer in separation of Church and State. Being there
for a couple of elections, I felt it was an imposition for people going to masses. Some of the
people are elderly and have to park their car further away, and it is a bit of a walk for them. We
have this beautiful new building. I am used to the olden days when elections were held in fire
houses or in a school. We do not have a school in Highland Beach. It is what it is.
Commissioner Feldman — I think we are getting off the motion as to whether or not we should
authorize the Mayor to sign the contract. As Town Manager Brown stated, she would like to put
this off until December.
MOTION: Commissioner Feldman moved to hold the contract to the December meeting.
Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stern.
Town Attorney Torcivia — The Town Manager gave you the reasons why the Supervisor of
Elections made her decision. The last comment was because she wanted to. I think that is the
answer. She does what she wants. Whatever city it is, she decides where she is holding the
election. Not to be disrespectful, but that is the reality of the way she runs that office. Maw
Featherman—Can we challenge that? Town Attorney Torcivia—We have spent time and money
with other cities fighting with her. She is the authority and she reels her authority.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Feldman - Yes
Commissioner Stern - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Vice Mayor Weitz - Yes
Mayor Featherman - Yes
Motion carried 5 to 0.
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Tuesday, October 6,2015 Pase 8 of 12
C) Request from the Beaches & Shores Advisory Board for the Town to Sponsor a Town-
Wide Volunteer Beach Cleaning Day.
Town Manager Brown— The Beaches & Shores Advisory Board would like to sponsor a Town-
Wide Beach Cleaning Day in January of 2016, and they are asking for the Town to authorize a
cost not to exceed$75 to purchase latex gloves, water bottles and garbage bags.
MOTION: Commissioner Stern moved to authorize the Town to sponsor the Beaches & Shores
Advisory Board Town-Wide Beach Cleaning Day at a cost of $75 for supplies. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Feldman, which passed unanimously.
D) Approval of Minutes:
• August 25, 2015 —Workshop Meeting
• August 25, 2015 —Budget Workshop Meeting
• September 1, 2015 —Regular Meeting
• September 10, 2015 —Special Meeting
• September 10, 2015 —Budget Hearing Meeting
MOTION: Commissioner Feldman moved to accept the minutes as presented. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Stern, which passed unanimously.
8. MISCELLANEOUS—ITEMS LEFT OVER:
None.
9. REPORTS—TOWN COMMISSION:
A) Commissioner Zelniker—Read her statement into the record (attached as Exhibit "A"). As part
of her statement she also read an excerpt from an interview given by Palm Beach County
Inspector General Carey on CBS 12 News regarding the renovation of the Highland Beach Police
Department(attached as Exhibit`B").
I would like to respond to a comment made by Town Manager Brown regarding the cost of
sending a letter to the residents regarding notices for site plans and variances. With all the money
we spend in this Town, would we not have enough money for postage to send out letters to the
residents of this Town? There isn't money in the budget to cover postage? Town Manager
Brown— Our ordinances are specific on who is paying the fee, and that is my question. If we are
going to change the ordinance, then we would have to specify who is going to pay for it.
Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 6,2015 Page 9 of 12
B) Commissioner Feldman — There are some items stated by Commissioner Stern (from the
previous workshop meeting) that I would like to clarify. They are as follows:
Why do we have a Financial Advisory Board if we do not support them?
• The Financial Advisory Board's function is to advise the Commission, and the Commission
does not rubber stamp all advisory board recommendations. There was much discussion at
their last meeting regarding the millage rate. They also discussed the $3.5 million in the
Water Fund. If the Town does not receive a favorable rate from the State Funding, we
could use that money to finance the water project. The Financial Advisory Board
continuously reverted back to the generous amounts of money the town has amassed in the
last few years. After reviewing all the facts, I made a motion to set and approve a 3.5
millage rate.
The Water Fund is where we lose money each year and will need a rate increase. The funds
increased because of the $3.5 million sale of our properties.
• Originally the sale of the Boca property was to reduce the water bond rate. The previous
Commission voted not to reduce the Water Plant bond but to hold the $3.5 million in a
reserve account. The water rate system is being analyzed by a water consultant firm.
Morale among employees is not that great.
• I spoke with many Town employees on October 1St, and not one person feels their position
is in jeopardy or that they are not appreciated or trusted by the Commission. I disagree
with Comm. Stern's assessment of the Library because he knew of the many problems that
had to be addressed.
Overtime.
• There were no overtime cuts made in the proposed budget. Regarding the Light Up the
Holidays, we agreed that all the entertainment funds would be given to the Dimensional
Harmony Group to help them with their funding to perform in London. The Commission
just approved funding for the Beaches & Shores Town Wide Beach Clean-up Day.
Charter Committee—Referendum.
• The Commission voted on the Charter Committee's recommendation to change the
spending limits from $350,000 to $1.3 million without a resident taxpayer's approval. At
that time, the Mayor and I voted no. This was done illegally, and the Inspector General
determined that a Town referendum was necessary to raise the spending limits. The Town
Attorney informed the Commission that if a new fire engine is needed, and the cost exceeds
$350,000, a referendum would be required.
Budgets.
• Tax dollars that were not spent in last year's budget for projects not completed were being
reassigned into this year's budget. The residents already paid for these projects and were
asked to pay again. It is the financial responsibility of the Commission to watch every
resident's tax dollar spent.
Reducing time spent in the Commission meetings.
• Our residents are attending more meetings than they have in the past, and more subjects are
being discussed in open forum. Our Commission meetings are held to keep residents
Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 6, 2015 Paste 10 of 12
informed and discuss decisions made. We could look into an electronic program for
typing minutes.
Water line project and calcite system misconception. The budget has no money scheduled for
this.
• The residents voted unanimously for the referendum to fund this project.
The new Commission working together.
• This new Commission is the best working Commission I have seen in the past 10 years,
and we are working together for the benefit of our Town.
C) Commissioner Stern —My comments were meant to be constructive and I stand by my remarks.
Commissioner Feldman and I met with staff and Light Up the Holidays is a reality. It will be held
on Monday, December 7h at 5:00 PM at Town Hall. The Dimensional Harmony Choir group will
be appearing again this year. Regarding Ira Oaklander's request, it would be a good idea for the
Commission to discuss whether or not you would want to do a petition to show State Senator
Sachs how sincere we are about the project I have worked on for 10 years, which is a slow speed
zone in our area of the Intracoastal Waterway.
D) Vice Mayor Weitz—As Commissioners we do not always agree on certain issues. However, I do
agree that this Commission works very well together. It is my understanding that this is the first
group of Commissioners that actually went through the entire budget. Perhaps next year Town
Manager Brown and Fin. Dir. Curtis can do some cutting and reviewing of the budget. Perhaps
then we would not have so many items to review, discuss and debate. I do have a concern
regarding the issue of office morale. During my tenure on this Commission, there have been no
employees who were terminated. There have been individuals who retired or resigned after
giving options of performing other functions or some modifications in their duties. By
consolidating some of the functions of individuals and certain contracts, we were able to be more
efficient and cost effective. In my opinion there has been some waste, fraud and abuse which is
an area of concern. We gradually tried to weed that out in the budget in terms of certain
personnel actions, and in terms of certain management issues. To me this is not a morale
problem. This Commission approved a 3%raise to each employee. We continued to give a very
positive health insurance plan that includes vision and dental, a performance enhancement plan
P P P
and a reinstated longevity compensation. We have an excellent staff working for this Town, but
we have to set realistic limits and realities. I hope there is not a morale problem, and I don't
believe we are causing a morale problem. We have been reasonable in terms of what we are
providing our employees.
E) Mayor Bernard Featherman — Every one of our Commissioners cares about this Town. I am
very proud of each one of you for doing what you are doing.
10. REPORTS—TOWN ATTORNEY GLEN TORCIVIA:
No report.
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Tuesday, October 6. 2015 Pate 11 of 12
11. REPORTS—TOWN MANAGER BEVERLY BROWN:
In response to Vice Mayor Weitz's comments about the Fin. Dir. Curtis and myself reviewing the
budget in depth next year, we reviewed the budget with each department head a number of times
before you received the proposed budget. Some of the items you removed were items former Town
Commissions approved under the Capital Improvement Plan, and it was our requirement that they had
to be included. Some of the changes you made to the budget were policy decisions made by this
Commission, and not by prior Commissions.
There was an article in the Coastal Star regarding the Plein Air Palm Beach artists. They are painting
the coast, the Intracoastal and the Highland Beach Municipal Complex for an exhibition opening at
the Highland Beach Library early November. The opening reception for this exhibition is on
November 5th from 4 PM to 6 PM. The exhibition will be at the Library for the full month of
November.
Regarding the construction at 3200 South Ocean Blvd., there will be another pouring this week
starting at 6:30 AM. Town Manager Brown explained the time and process for this particular
pouring.
12. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO ITEMS DISCUSSED AT
MEETING:
Ira Oaklander, 1000 Russell Dr. — I would like the Commission to support the petition which would
give it more power for when we present it to Senator Sachs or related agencies. We would have
residents sign the petition under your names showing that you approve this.
George Kelvin, 4740 S. Ocean Blvd. — Regarding the walk path, I strongly recommend that the
Commission obtain a professional engineering and design firm to layout the plan as to the type of
surface and the details in order to come up with the cost before going to a referendum.
Carl Gehman, 1123 Highland Beach Dr. — Can we have a walkway on both sides of AIA? Town
Attorney Torcivia—We do not have the right-of-way on the west side of A1A.
Ira Oaklander — Regarding the walkway, the person you need is a Landscape Architect who is
familiar with this type of project.
Peter Rodis, 3224 S. Ocean Blvd. — Could the Commission send a letter to the Supervisor of
Elections telling her that the residents are not happy with her decision? However, we do respect her
decision and would like her to talk to the Pastor of St. Lucy's Church telling him that we do not want
any sermons during the election period as he has done in the past. I would like to congratulate the
Commission on the great job they did this year with reviewing each of the line items on the budget.
Town Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 6,2015 Paze 12 of 12
13. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Featherman called for a
motion to adjourn the Regular Meeting at 3:00 PM.
MOTION: Commissioner Stern moved to adjourn the regular meeting at 3:00 PM. Motion was
seconded by Commissioner Feldman, which passed unanimously.
APPROVED:
Bernard Featherman, Mayor
-'/1Zj
C
William Weitz, Vice M or
Lou'is' . Sternommissiolner
1
Carl Feldman, Commissioner
d4lro'A Zelniker, Imissioner
ATTEST:
Valerie Oakes, CMC, Town Clerk Date
Bi 7-
October
October 6, 2015 Submitted by: Rhoda Zelniker
My o My.....what is going on here? Commissioner Louis Stern's statement at our last budget meeting
was quite uncomfortable. Attacking other Commissioners because he did not agree with the 3.5 Millage
rate that was approved at the September 24th Budget meeting was not appropriate. To make matters
worse many of his comments were inaccurate.
Commissioner Stern said:
"Morale among employees is not great......as stated when Jerry was removed.....Jerry was not removed.
He resigned. The Town Manager has full responsibility when it comes to employees. Commissioners
have no right to comment on personnel issues.
Commissioner Stern said:
"It is now time for us to reduce some time spent in our commission meetings to reduce the number of
hours it now takes to type up minutes...........Commissioners have the responsibility to work and get the
job done............commissioners should not be looking at the clock. I am very proud of our
Commissioners......The budget was reviewed line by line. We did not"rubber stamp"this budget as
previous commissions have done. Actually,during the 2008 stock market crash,when residents were
losing money, some losing jobs and property values drastically dropping........... 5%increases to every
employee continued in the Town of Highland........it was business as usual. Commissioner Stern is
"worried about the number of hours it now takes to type up meeting minutes." is Commissioner Stern
suggesting our staff cannot handle their work load? We have an excellent staff and they do their job
well.
Commissioner Stern's letter dated Sept 3 d:
Stated"My major request is that you consider and respect our Financial Board and reduce the tax rate
no lower than the roll back rate.......which is 3.750. He was not present to hear the discussion amongst
commissioners who were at this important budget meeting.
Commissioner Stern said "going forward, some of the discussed additional savings are not substantial
and for each resident it might only amount to a glass of wine and at most a bottle."
This comment is condescending.
Perhaps Commissioner Stern should read "To Kill A Mockingbird" by Harper Lee.
Moral of the story: You can't truly understand a person unless you put yourself into his shoes.
In spite of what Commissioner Stern thinks,there are a number of elderly residents living in Highland
Beach on fixed incomes. Over the past 5 to 6 years they have been making no money..........no interest in
the bank.......many people who got burned during the stock market crash of 2008/early 2009 never got
back into the market. Some were afraid they would lose more money by investing in the Stock Market.
So, they missed the chance to be in the bull market over the last 5 years or so. No increase in Social
Security during two of those years and as it appears now there might be no increase in Social Security
this year.
Commissioner Stern said:
"Surprised at one of our commissioners who asked,what are we really giving our residents if we don't
give them a reduction in taxes.....well when I talk about Highland Beach I stress and impress most people
who have never heard of the town,that we have our own police department,fire station, post office,
library and water plant in a town that is 2-1/2 miles long and .06 sq miles with a population of 4000 and
8000 in season." I made this statement and I also said "we have one commercial business,we do not
have a medical facility,we do not have any parks and we do not have schools.......we are a small
municipality.......we owe a tax break to our residents when it does not create a problem with the town's
financial budget.
Especially,after the Commission spent over one million dollars of taxpayers money without a
referendum on the renovation of Town Hall and the Police Dept.
Just two weeks ago,Sept 1311 received phone calls from residents in our community advising me of a
CBS News Report....Special Report-Protecting your Tax Dollars .......interviewing Palm Beach County
Inspector General Carey. "What Carey's office has uncovered is eye opening.
Town Commissioners in Highland Beach renovated their police department and town chamber without
voter approval, costing taxpayers nearly a million dollars." I will Submit this report to be attached to
the minutes of the meeting.
Let us not forget,Commissioner Stern you had voted to proceed with this project even though a petition
was brought forth in front of you requesting this issue be put to a town referendum and not to raise the
commissions spending limit without a town referendum. Needless to say,the residents of this town
who signed this petition were correct. Perhaps we would have additional monies in our General Fund
today if proper procedures were followed.
Most times words are much easier than action because those who choose to act often take a risk in
doing so.......The Millage rate of 3.5 is correct for the residents of Highland Beach. Even Commissioner
Stern stated "it is true we have substantial support funds".
Enough is enough......I am proud of the fact that all of our Commissioners stood up and did the right
thing.......including Commissioner Stern.
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