2016.09.14_TC_Minutes_Special TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
FY 2016-2017 BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
Wednesday, September 14,2016 5:01 PM
Mayor Bernard Featherman called the Budget Public Hearing to order in the Town Commission
Chambers at 5:05 PM.
CALL TO ORDER:
Roll Call: Members present: Mayor Bernard Featherman; Vice Mayor William Weitz, Ph.D;
Commissioner Carl Feldman; Commissioner Stem and Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker. Also
present: Town Attorney Brian Shutt; Interim Town Manager Valerie Oakes; Deputy Town
Clerk Lanelda Gaskins; Finance Director Cale Curtis; Public Works Director Ed Soper; Police
Chief Craig Hartmann; Library Director Lois Albertson 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.
Receiving no additions or deletions,the agenda was accepted as presented.
Commissioner Zelniker asked that the following two items be placed on the next Workshop
Meeting agenda under New Business for discussion:
o Personnel rules and regulations for employees serving in an interim appointment.
o Policy and procedures of our attorney and for individuals making requests of our
attorney.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS:
None were received.
3. PRESENTATIONS:
• Summary of Budget Updates
By: Cale Curtis,Finance Director
Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
Wednesday,September 14,2016 Paze 2 of 9
Finance Director Curtis presented the three updates to the proposed budget attached as
Exhibit"A".
Commission Discussion:
Commissioner Feldman—Regarding the upgrade to the Town security camera system, is
that only for the Library or does that include Town Hall. Fin. Dir. Curtis — We are
trying to get a global centralized security system so all the cameras will be linked
together.
Commissioner Feldman — Regarding the budget increase for the IT Broadcast
Equipment, will that eliminate the freezing of the broadcast we are getting on Comcast.
Interim Town Manager Oakes — This budget increase is strictly to broadcast to U-verse
customers. I had a meeting with Comcast and our IT person, and there is an issue with
the air box. It is on order for replacement.
4. PRESENTATIONS OF BUDGET RESOLUTIONS:
A) RESOLUTION NO. 16-006 R
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
RELATING TO THE STATE REVOLVING FUND PROGRAM;
AUTHORIZING THE APPLICATION; AUTHORIZING THE AGREEMENT;
ESTABLISHING PLEDGED REVENUES; DESIGNATING AUTHORIZED
REPRESENTATIVES; PROVIDING ASSURANCES.
Deputy Town Clerk Gaskins read Resolution No. 16-006 R into the record.
Interim Town Manager Oakes — The Town's Water Infrastructure Improvement
Projects are presently out to bid. Concurrently, the Town is working with the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection to obtain low-interest financing through the
State Revolving Fund Loan Program (SRF). If you recall, back in June the Town
Commission approved a Water Facilities Plan as part of the process for being included
on the SRF fundable priority list. The Water Facilities Plan was presented to the SRF
at their Public Hearing in August and they have tentatively accepted the Plan, pending
review from the State Clearing House.
This action from the SRF elevated the Town's status to the fundable priority list. At
this point the Town is now in a position to submit a formal loan application to the SRF.
Staff has prepared the attached loan application for the Town Commission to review
and take a formal vote on. This application must be authorized by resolution which
also designates the individuals authorized to execute documents.
The loan application has been reviewed by staff at the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) and they believe it is in sufficient form to be
approved. Please note that the actual interest rate of the loan terms will not be
Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 14,2016 Page 3 of 9
determined until the final close out of the project. This will take place later next year
and is anticipated to be in the 2%range.
Commission Discussion:
Commissioner Feldman—Do we have to take the full $5 million or we take only what
is needed. Fin. Dir. Curtis— We will only take what is needed and will not ask for the
full $5 million. However, will request what is spent
Commissioner Zelniker — Public Works Director Soper and Finance Director Curtis
gave us an excellent presentation.
Vice Mayor Weitz—This was always intended as a bondable low cost project. Because
one of our bonds had been previously paid off, this bond will not significantly increase
any taxpayer's money.
MOTION: Commissioner Feldman moved to adopt Resolution No. 16-006 R. Motion
was seconded by Commissioner Stem.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Feldman - Yes
Commissioner Stem - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Vice Mayor Weitz - Yes
Mayor Featherman - Yes
Motion carried 5 to 0.
B) RESOLUTION NO. 16-007 R
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF
3.2816 MILS FOR THE TOWN'S GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2017; PROVIDING THAT THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 3.2816 MILS
IS 0.00 PERCENT GREATER THAN THE COMPUTED ROLLED BACK
RATE OF 3.2816 MILS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS
AND AN EFFFECTIVE DATE.
Deputy Town Clerk Gaskins read Resolution No. 16-007 R into the record.
Interim Town Manager Oakes — Based upon feedback from the Town Commission,
Staff recommends that the Commission consider setting the operating millage rate at
3.2816. This rate is equal to the calculated rolled-back rate and results in a neutral tax
levy when compared to the prior year levy. The rolled-back rate along with all of the
other estimated revenues are projected to cover all of the estimated expenditures. The
Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
Wednesday,September 14,2016 Paae 4 of 9
Commission may choose to lower this rate. Each 0.05 mils equate to approximately
$110,000 in property taxes.
In addition to the operating tax rate above, the Town's voter-approved tax rate (debt
service) will be set at 0.6060. Therefore, if the Commission approves the rolled-back
rate (3.2816), the Town's total tax rate for the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year will be set at
3.8876.
Regarding Commissioners questions and discussions, that should take place under Item
6. This is just a presentation of the resolutions.
C) RESOLUTION NO. 16-008 R
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2017; DETERMINING AND FILING THE AMOUNTS NECESSARY TO
CARRY ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN FOR THE ENSUING
YEAR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Deputy Town Clerk Gaskins read Resolution No. 16-008 R into the record.
Interim Town Manager Oakes—Over the last three months, the Town Commission and
Staff have met to go over details of the 2016-2017 Proposed Budget. The Proposed
Budget is now in its final form and presented before you for consideration and formal
adoption. The total Town Budget(less an inter-fund transfer)totals$20,102,310.
Questions will be taken under Item 6.
5. PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING 2016-2017 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET:
Mayor Featherman opened the Public Hearing. Hearing none, Mayor Featherman closed
the Public Hearing.
6. COMMISSION QUESTIONS AND DISCUSSION:
Commissioner Stem —My compliments to Fin. Dir. Curtis for the fine job he did with the
SRF application. The Town Commission was able to lower the tax rate again this year,and
the way the budget reads, we are in great shape.
Vice Mayor Weitz — I would like to congratulate staff on the fine job they did with the
budget. I am very pleased with the way this budget reads.
Commissioner Zelniker— I concur with my fellow Commissioners. Congratulations to the
staff for a job well done.
Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
Wednesday,September 14.2016 Page 5 of 9
Mayor Featherman—Our Commissioners have done a fine job in lowering the millage rate
along with the help of our staff.
7. ADOPTION OF MILLAGE RATE ON FIRST READING:
A) RESOLUTION NO. 16-007 R
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF
3.2816 MILS FOR THE TOWN'S GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2017; PROVIDING THAT THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 3.2816 MILS
IS 0.00 PERCENT GREATER THAN THE COMPUTED ROLLED-BACK
RATE OF 3.2816 MILS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS
AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Deputy Town Clerk Gaskins read Resolution No. 16-007 R on First Reading.
Commission Discussion:
Commissioner Feldman—I have had many discussions with Cale and feel we can bring
the millage rate down to 3.25. We can do this with no other services being cut. This
could be a great benefit to the residents.
Vice Mayor Weitz—The 3.25 is not a substantial amount. What is the dollar amount?
Fin. Dir. Curtis — It amounts to $67,200. If lowered, one of the benefits is that I can
include in the ad in the Palm Beach Post for our final meeting, that the Commission has
lowered the rate beyond the rolled-back rate. It may be a small amount of savings,but it
is a good headline to include. Vice Mayor Weitz—I could support it either way. I will
go along with my fellow Commissioners.
Commissioner Stern—I have no problem rolling it back to 3.25. There is plenty in our
reserves. I think it is a terrific headline.
Commissioner Zelniker — As long as there is money for the projects we have coming
up; the drainage, streetscape and especially the crosswalks for the safety and wellbeing
of our residents, I am in favor of the 3.25. Will this make any different in those three
items? Fin. Dir. Curtis—No; what 1 will do with the $67,200 is reduce the Reserve for
Contingency which will drop to $220,000. It is still a sufficient amount for unforeseen
purchases throughout the year.
Mayor Featherman re-opened the Public Hearing based on the change in the millage
rate from 3.2816 to 3.25.
Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
Wednesday,September 14,2016 Pace 6 of 9
Steven Ebbs, Camino Cove — I wanted to suggest that the budget make room for
innovation as well as the current subjects. Perhaps at some point the Commission will
consider putting in high speed broad band cabling for the residents. If you are digging
up the road for the water mains, you can lay the cable as well.
Ed Neidich,4740 S. Ocean Blvd.—I commend the entire Commission for working hard
for the residents in terms of lowering the millage rate even farther than the 3.2816.
Making this a headliner is a great idea so the residents are aware of what this
Commission has done for the Town.
Pouq Town Clerk Gaskins read Resolution No. 16-007 R containing the new millage
rate into the record as follows:
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF
3.25 MILS FOR THE TOWN'S GENERAL OPERATING FUNDS FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2017; PROVIDING THAT THE FINAL MILLAGE RATE OF 3.25 MILS IS
0.%3 PERCENT LESS THAN THE COMPUTED ROLLED-BACK RATE OF
3.2816 MILS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
MOTION: Commissioner Feldman moved to adopt Resolution No. 16-007 R. Motion
was seconded by Commissioner Stern.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Feldman - Yes
Commissioner Stem - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Vice Mayor Weitz - Yes
Mayor Featherman - Yes
Motion carried 5 to 0.
8. ADOPTION OF 2016-2017 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET ON FIRST READING:
A) RESOLUTION NO. 16-M R
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A FINAL BUDGET FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2017 DETERMINING AND FIXING THE AMOUNTS NECESSARY TO
CARRY ON THE GOVERNMENT OF THE TOWN FOR THE ENSUING
YEAR; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY, CONFLICTS AND AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
Wednesday,September 14,2016 Paste 7 of 9
Deputy Town Clerk Gaskins read Resolution No. 16-008 R on First Reading.
MOTION: Commissioner Stem moved to adopt Resolution No. 16-008 R. Motion
was seconded by Vice Mayor Weitz.
ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Stern - Yes
Vice Mayor Weitz - Yes
Commissioner Feldman - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Mayor Featherman - Yes
Motion carried 5 to 0.
9. REPORTS—TOWN COMMISSION:
A) Commissioner Carl Feldman — I have to commend the Finance Director and staff for
the work they did in putting this budget together. We received the actual accounting
sheets which helped us understand the budget and allowed us to bring the millage rate
down to 3.25.
B) Commissioner Louis P. Stern — I spoke with Ron Brown, President of the
Homeowner's Association for Bel Lido, as to what is a Homeowner's Association in
his locale. His answer was they that have covenants but no paperwork to back it up
because all of the roads and the bridge are a part of the Town of Highland Beach.
There are no public areas they have to take care of. There are 71 lots of which they
have 60 members of the association. When someone purchases a home, they are told
that the law of Highland Beach is the law of Bel Lido. There is a petition going around
because the residents of Bel Lido would like the Commission not to change the code
that is already in place regarding the use of the boat dockage. Mr. Brown plans on
coming to the next meeting to speak about this.
There is good news regarding this year's Light up the Holidays. The Dimension
Harmony Choir of Boynton Beach High School has agreed to entertain us again. There
are 26 students who will be participating.
C) Vice Mayor Weitz — I am very pleased that the Dimensional Harmony Choir will be
performing at our Light up the Holidays event. They are truly an awesome group.
Again, I would like to commend Fin. Dir. Curtis and the staff for the terrific job they
did with the budget and making it very clear for the Commission to understand.
I am all in favor of building morale. It is a positive thing. In the past, there have been
certain employee gatherings or parties such as Halloween which has not taken place in
the last year and I would like to see that happen this year. Perhaps the Interim Town
Manager could look into this.
Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
Wednesday,September 14,2016 Pace 8 of 9
D) Commissioner Zelniker—I am all for parties and at a later date we can discuss having
a Christmas party for the employees.
E) Mayor Bernard Featherman — I received a letter from the Florida League of Cities
appointing me as a member of the Finance Taxation Personnel Committee. This is
quite an honor and I will have my first meeting coming up on September 3& in
Orlando. I received a call from Governor Scott and he is trying very hard to do
something about the mosquitos causing the Zika Virus.
10.REPORTS—TOWN ATTORNEY BRIAN SHUTT:
No report.
11.REPORTS—INTERIM TOWN MANAGER VALERIE OAKES:
• September 27`h at 5:01 P.M. —2°d Budget Public Hearing—Set Millage Rate and Adopt
the Budget.
12.PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS
DISCUSSED AT MEETING ONLY:
Edward Neidich, 4740 S. Ocean Blvd. — It is a good idea to lower the millage rate to 3.25.
It is a good thing for the residents of Highland Beach. The entire staff has pitched in to
help the Town. Regarding the boat dockage issue in Bel Lido, the rest of the Town may
feel the same way as the residents in Bel Lido. Perhaps the Town Attorney could tighten
the wording of the statute which hopefully would increase the enforceability and tie up
loose ends.
13.ADJOURNMENT-
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Featherman
adjourned the Budget Public Hearing Meeting at 5:47 PM.
i
Town Commission Budget Workshop Meeting Minutes
Wednesday,September 14,2016 Page 9 of 9
APPROVED:
ell
Bernard F therman, Mayor Carl Feldm ommissioner
William Weitz,Vice Mayor ouis . Ste Commissioner
Zelniker, Co ssioner
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I ATTEST:
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Valerie Oakes,CMC, Town Clerk Date
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