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2016.11.29_TC_Minutes_Workshop TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION WORKSHOP MEETING Tuesday,November 29, 2016 1:30 PM Mayor Bernard Featherman called the Workshop 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 and Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker. Member Absent: Commissioner Louis Stem. Also present: Town Attorney Glen Torcivia; Interim Town Manager Valerie Oakes; Deputy Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins; Police Chief Craig Hartmann; Finance Director Cale Curtis; Public Works Director Ed Soper; 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 Deputy Town Clerk. 1. ADDITIONS,DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Mayor Featherman called for any additions or deletions to the agenda: Item 6G: Commissioner Feldman added an item to discuss the November 16, 2016, Code Enforcement Board meeting, the Board's role and the Attorney's role in the future. Item 6H: Commissioner Feldman added an item to discuss the Florida Retirement System for elected officials. Item 6T Commissioner Zelniker added an item to discuss crosswalk lighting. Item 6J: Vice Moor Weitz added an item to revisit and discuss the possible cancellation of the December 27, 2016, Town Commission Workshop Meeting. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS: Victor Maggio, 2575 S. Ocean Boulevard, Treasurer for the Townhouses of Highland Beach gave a brief presentation and distributed information to the Commission regarding the beach erosion behind the townhomes due to the Hurricane Matthews and the recent king tides. He stated that they are in dire need of assistance, and is looking for assistance from local government, county, state and federal agencies for help in addressing this situation. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29, 2016 Paze 2 of 15 George Kelvin, 4747 S. Ocean Boulevard — I obtained information on Robert's Rules of Order regarding a speaker who has the floor. Mr. Kelvin presented the different points of order. Peter Rodis, 3224 S. Ocean Boulevard — Wished everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. John Boden, 3407 S. Ocean Boulevard — I will be attending a hearing on Wednesday, November 30th where they will be taking testimony from the Florida Department of Transportation(FDOT). Mr. Boden read his presentation into the record attached as Exhibit «A,5 James Baley, 2575 S. Ocean Boulevard — I am also concerned about the beach erosion and at this time the beach is not usable. I was hoping the Commission could give us some direction on how to proceed in getting this situation taken care of. Town Attorney Torcivia — There was an engineering study done for the Town in April of 2013 which recognizes your needs. However, since there are no public beaches in Highland Beach, it is hard to get public money. I would advise you to contact the County Department of Environmental Resource Management who in turn can contact the State and the Federal Government. 3. PRESENTATIONS: None. 4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES: A) Board Correspondence: • None B) Board Action Report: • None C) Board Vacancies: • Board of Adjustment& Appeals o Talent Bank Interview—One (1)Three Year Term • George Kelvin, 4740 S. Ocean Boulevard stated that he has served on other boards for the Town and is very interested in continuing to serve the community. It was the consensus of the Commission to place George Kelvin's appointment to the Board of Adjustment&Appeals on the December 6th Commission agenda. • Code Enforcement Board o Talent Bank Interview—One (1)Three Year Term Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29, 2016 Paae 3 of 15 • Paul Schlanger, 3912 S. Ocean Boulevard, Apt. 911 gave a brief description of his background and said that he is very interested in serving the community. It was the consensus of the Commission to place Paul Schlanger's appointment to the Code Enforcement Board on the December 6, 2016, Commission agenda. • Planning Board o Talent Bank Interviews—One (1) Unexpired term ending August 2017 • Albert Giachetti, 1118 Bel Air Drive was not present at today's meeting. • Michael J. Kravit, 3700 S. Ocean Boulevard. #504 gave a brief description of his background. He is a former member of the Code Enforcement Board and would like to continue to serve the community. • Warren Lewis, 4748 S. Ocean Boulevard, #I I B gave a summary of his background. He said that he is very involved in the community and would like to continue to do so. • Nievecita Maraj, 1020 Bel Air Drive gave a brief description of her background. She said that she would like to become more involved in the community. Commissioner Feldman—It is very impressive to see the quality of people we have in our Town who are willing to volunteer. I would like to form more committees rather than boards so these people can serve this Town. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the December 6th Commission agenda under Miscellaneous—Items Left Over. D) Monthly Board Meetings: • Light Up the Holidays—December 5th—5:00 PM • Town Commission Regular Meeting—December 6th— 1:30 PM • Side Street Water Main Project Public Hearing—December 8th—6:30 PM • Beaches & Shores Advisory Board Meeting—December 13th—9:30 AM • Planning Board Meeting—December 14th—9:30 AM • Board of Adjustment and Appeals Board Meeting—December 20th—9:30 AM • Code Enforcement Board Meeting—December 21St—9:30 AM • Town Hall Closed: o December 24th—Day before Christmas Eve o December 26th—Day after Christmas • Town Commission Workshop—December 27"— 1:30 PM Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29, 2016 Pase 4 of 15 5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: A) RESOLUTION NO. 16-011 R A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH FLORIDA, CALLING FOR A SPECIAL ELECTION REGARDING THE PROPOSED PATHWAY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT TO REPLACE APPROXIMATELY 3 MILES OF EXISTING PATHWAY ALONG STATE ROAD A-1-A AND TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY AND GENERAL AESTHETICS OF THE PATHWAY. Deputy Town Clerk Gaskins read the title of Resolution No. 16-011 R into the record. Interim Town Manager Oakes—Last September the Town Commission authorized staff to engage the services of Mathews Consulting to prepare a preliminary design report for the Pathway Improvement Project. This design report will be used to define the overall project scope and provide an estimated cost as we prepare for a referendum question on the March 14, 2017, election ballot. At this stage in the planning process, staff is presenting the Commission with the resolution and draft referendum language that includes a not-to-exceed cost estimate of $2,000,000. The Pathway Improvement Project will include replacement of approximately three miles of existing pathway. The project is also anticipated to include safety and beautification features, decorative lighting at the cross walks, intersections and replacement of monument signage, and other hardscape features. Funds for this project is available in the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Feldman — I am not in favor of having this referendum on the 2017 election ballot. We have not yet received a proposal and a drawing from Mathews Consulting. We should not consider this until we can see exactly what we are looking at. Also, we have two major projects coming up. The resolution as it reads now is not clear. We need to put out a survey to ask the residents what they would like such as the type of pavement, lighting, landscaping, etc. We need to give this more thought. Vice Mayor Weitz — I tend to agree with Commissioner Feldman. There is no specificity to this resolution. This project has been on our Five-year Strategic Plan and follows our Water Main Project which should continue through 2017. The earliest we should look at implementing another major project is 2018. At that time,we can have a referendum on the March ballot and would have specificity as to the types of materials that could be used such as landscaping, lighting, and cost. Commissioner Zelniker — This is a project that has been on our books for quite some time. I have researched minutes from the February 5, 2013 Commission Meeting where the Commissioners and the residents spoke about replacing the walk path. There are many areas that are safety hazards. The walking path has been patched many times Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29,2016 Page 5 of 15 and I do not feel we should put this project off any longer. This should have already been done. It is not only for beautification but also for safety. We need to reword the resolution and move on. Discussion ensued regarding the past plans to patch and not replace the walking path. This resolution is the only item to be discussed at this time and whether or not it should be adopted. There is more involved than just the walking path. There is also the lighting and landscaping to consider. Commissioner Zelniker felt a survey should go out. Interim Town Manager— The Commissioners are all in agreement about not going out to the public with a very general question with no specific information. The issue here is timing. We went under contract with Mathews Consulting in early November at which time they indicated that it would take about 30 days to complete. Staff met with them and they are very anxious to move forward with this project. However, we also have an issue with the election coming up in March. The deadline to submit the question to the Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office is February 3, 2017. Because this is such an important project, we want to make sure that it is done right the first time and we all want the buy-in from the community. We could have a meeting for the residents so they could understand the different types of materials and how it would benefit the Town but those things take time. It is up to the Commission as to whether they would want this on the 2018 ballot with specific information or the 2017 ballot without specific details. Commissioner Zelniker — Could this be placed on a ballot at a different time. Interim Town Manager Oakes— It could be placed on the November ballot but there is a higher cost involved. People look forward to the March election and we do not know what the turnout would be in November. It was the consensus of the Commission to place Resolution No. 16-011 R on the December 6th Commission agenda under Miscellaneous—Items Left Over. B) RESOLUTION NO. 16-012 R A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 15-008 R WHICH APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR THE 2015-2016 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET, WHICH BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2015 AND ENDS SEPTEMBER 30,2016. Deputy Town Clerk Gaskins read the title of Resolution No. 16-012 R into the record. Interim Town Manager Oakes — The Town's fiscal year ended on September 30, 2016; however, the books are kept open for 60 additional days to allow for any outstanding bills to come in and to be paid out of last year's budget. We will officially close the 2015-2016 books by the end of this month. In the meantime, as we get to the final closing, we go through the budget and reconcile the bottom line for any department that Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29, 2016 Paae 6 of 15 requires adjustment for the year. Attached is a resolution that will accomplish this effort. There are two adjustments in the General Fund. The first adjustment is to increase the Protective Inspection (Building) Department budget by $200,000. The second adjustment is an increase of$13,000 in the Solid Waste budget. An explanation for the increases is found in your agenda packet. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Feldman — We have more money coming in then going out, so why do we have to increase the budget? Finance Director Curtis — The revenues are not accounted for in the Building Department. They are accounted for in the General Fund. The expenses go out in the Building Department's expense budget. He explained the form of accounting that is done. Commissioner Feldman — I would like to see the Building Department expenses separate from the others. Vice Mayor Weitz — Is the $200,000 difference the monies we have to give to the private vendor? Finance Director Curtis — The Building Department brought in $400,000 more than was anticipated and 50% went to the vendor. Vice Mayor Weitz— I am supporting any decision to have an in-house building official. There is a great deal of ongoing construction in this Town; and there should be some way we can keep this money in our Town. It was the consensus of the Commission to place Resolution No. 16-012 R on the December Oh Commission agenda. 6. NEW BUSINESS: A) Authorization to Execute an Agreement with TLC Diversified, Inc. for the Water Remineralization Project—Bid No. 2016-01 Interim Town Manager Oakes — At the November 1, 2016, Commission meeting, staff was authorized to execute an agreement with TLC Diversified, Inc. for the construction of improvements related to the Remineralization Project at the water treatment plant as detailed in Bid No. 2016-01. At that meeting, it was determined by the Commission that the base bid plus alternate #4 (rehabilitation of the clear well) would be included in the contract award with the understanding that at a future date, the Town could choose to include one of the alternative designs for a concealment wall provided adequate funds were available under the approved authorization. TLC Diversified, Inc. has agreed to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Staff is requesting that the Commission authorize the Mayor and Town Manager to countersign this agreement on behalf of the Town and authorize the Town Manager to execute the Notice-to-Proceed to the contractor so the project can advance to the construction phase. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29, 2016 Page 7 of 15 Commission Discussion: Commissioner Zelniker — We are going to have a tank that is not fully covered and it would hinder the view of Toscana on the north side. If we have money left over, I would like to have the tank enclosed. Interim Town Manager Oakes — I have had a meeting with the contractor and the staff and they are very well aware of the Commission's desire to install a higher wall providing funds are available. Commissioner Feldman—Would there be an additional cost if the footings are installed at a later date if we have the funds available for the enclosure? Public Works Director Soper — We did discuss this with the contractor at our meeting. There are certain provisions that can be made at a later date during the project that would minimize any additional costs. Commissioner Feldman—There will be a meeting on December 8t" at 6:30 PM in the Library Community Room. All residents are urged to attend so any questions they may have can be answered at that time. Vice Mayor Weitz — I am in support of this contract. As a reminder, this project has been approved and the meeting is to answer any questions as to locations and how it will impact the residents. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the December 6t' Commission agenda. B) Authorization to Execute an Agreement with Man-Con, Inc. for the Side Street Water Main Replacement Project Phase 1 and Phase 2—Bid No. 2016-02 Interim Town Manager Oakes — At the November 1, 2016, Commission Meeting, staff was authorized to execute an agreement with Man-Con, Inc. for the construction of improvements related to the Side Street Water Main Replacement Project - Phase I and Phase 2 as detailed in Bid 2016-02. Man-Con, Inc. has agreed to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Staff is requesting that the Commission authorize the Mayor and Town Manager to countersign this agreement on behalf of the Town, and authorize the Town Manager to issue the Notice-to-Proceed to the contractor so the project can advance into the construction phase. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the December 6t' Commission agenda. C) Authorization to Execute an Agreement with Southern Waste Service, Inc. d/b/a SWS Environmental Services for Emergency Response Services Interim Town Manager Oakes — As part of the treatment process, the water plant utilizes chemicals (e.g. - acid, caustic, chlorine, etc.) and stores them in bulk quantities. For most situations, staff can address minor incidents involving hazardous materials. However, it would be prudent to have a professional company under contract that could be called upon in the event an incident occurred that was beyond our in-house Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29, 2016 Page 8 of 15 capabilities. An example of a situation would be a large chemical leak, tank rupture or delivery/handling accident. Currently, the Town does not have an agreement in place in the event services are ever required in response to an emergency involving hazardous materials. Although the chances of such an incident are relatively remote, it has been determined that it would be in the Town's best interest to have an agreement in place with a qualified firm to perform the cleanup, removal and disposal of hazardous materials just in case such an event should ever occur. After researching various companies that can provide emergency response services, it is recommended that the Town executes an agreement with Southern Waste Services, Inc. through a piggy-back agreement they already have in place with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Please note that there is no upfront cost to the Town for entering into this agreement. Expenses are only incurred when services are rendered and would be in accordance with pre-determined unit pricing stipulated in the state contract. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Feldman — Part of the contract we signed with the Delray Beach Fire Department was hazardous waste. We need to see what part they handle before obtaining this contract. Interim Town Manager Oakes read from the Delray Beach Fire Department contract indicating that they assume no responsibility for emergency preparedness planning and program implementation for the Town of Highland Beach or site or product soil removal resulting from a chemical spill or other form of hazardous materials incidents occurring in the jurisdiction. The Town of Highland Beach shall obtain a standby contract with a firm to mitigate potential site issues pertaining to hazardous materials incidents. Public Works Director Soper brought this to my attention and wanted to be sure we had an agreement in place should an incident occur. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the December 6' Commission agenda. D) Discussion on Public Comments Interim Town Manager Oakes —At the November 1, 2016, Commission meeting, Vice Mayor Weitz requested that this subject be placed on the December 6't' Commission agenda for discussion. The Town Clerk's office conducted a survey and reached out to other municipalities. A copy of the survey was included as agenda backup material. Vice Mayor Weitz — My request to put this on the agenda was based on our attorney's discussion at the last meeting. He stated that he represents many townships and very few, if any, have two opportunities for public comments. I am supportive of having public comments, but I do not feel the need to have them twice during the same meeting. Very often topics are brought up at the end of the meetings which is not agenda related. They are issues that this Commission is not responsible for and are not the prevailing authority. I am asking the Commission to look at whether they want to continue their current system for public comments or have a single opportunity for public comments. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29,2016 Paae 9 of 15 Mayor Featherman — We had a situation where a resident did not have the opportunity to finish speaking during the beginning of the meeting and came before the Commission during the public comments at the end of the meeting. According to our Attorney, it was my decision as to whether or not this person could continue speaking. I permitted this person to speak on the balance of their statement because I felt it is so important for our residents to get the word out to us. That is what we are here for. Commissioner Feldman—This is a small town and we have only a few people attending our meetings. We should allow the residents to speak at the beginning of the meeting on any issues they would like to bring before the Commission and allow them to speak at the end, but only on agenda items. We are the voice of the people and should continue the way we have been doing it. Commissioner Zelniker — I agree with the Mayor and Commissioner Feldman. The more participation we have with our residents,the better our community is. It was the consensus of the Commission to keep the public comments at the beginning and end of the Commission meetings. E) Commission to Appoint a Commissioner to the Spring Fling Committee Interim Town Manager Oakes — Last year we held our very first Spring Fling Community event. It was very successful and we are looking forward to doing it again in March 2017 and adding more to it. We have always had two Commissioners volunteer to give their input and help the staff with Light up the Holidays. I thought it a great idea to appoint one or two Commissioners to get involved with our community events. It was the consensus of the Commission to appoint Commissioner Zelniker and Mayor Featherman to the 2017 Spring Fling committee. F) Authorization to Execute an Agreement with Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections for Vote Processing Equipment Use and Election Services for the March 2017 Municipal Election Interim Town Manager Oakes — The Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Office requires each municipality holding a municipal election to sign a Vote Processing Equipment Use and Election Services Agreement. I am requesting you authorize the Mayor to sign the contract. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the December 6d' Commission agenda. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29, 2016 Page 10 of 15 G) Discussion regarding the November 16,2016 Code Enforcement Board Meeting Commissioner Feldman— I found this very disturbing because there was a criminal act done here. A resident was doing work without a permit and even though he was given the notice to stop work on several occasions, he continued to do so. This started in February of 2016 and continued through September. I did not feel that the Town Attorney properly informed the Code Enforcement Board on what action they could take. The Town Attorney stated that this was not a criminal act. However, these are attached homes and I felt it was since it affects the homeowners on either side. When it comes to the importance of acts such as these, we need a Special Magistrate. Vice Mayor Weitz—My comments have nothing to do with the fact that I am a resident of the overall property. My issue is with the process. Code enforcement means checking permits, licenses, monitoring the sites and shutting down projects when in violation. How could a homeowner, anywhere in our community, proceed with a project, have no permits and no knowledge as to whether the contractors are licensed? There need to be documentation to protect the Town,the residents and there needs to be inspections done to ensure that the job meets state and local codes. How can a Code Enforcement Officer be prohibited from entering a building to inspect the work? This went on for months. There was no way of knowing if any of the work was done correctly and within code. When it came before the Code Enforcement Board, they were only permitted to issue fines. I am in full support of a Special Magistrate. Commissioner Zelniker— We are in the process of hiring a Code Enforcement Officer. We need a code enforcer who is proactive and monitoring what is going on in the Town. Commissioner Feldman—The Town Attorney stated they had to look at Chapter 162 to give the person more time to reply. If it was an illegal act, we should not have had to give this person more time. They are doing illegal electrical and plumbing work and ignoring us. The Town Attorney needed to be more assertive. They should have been fined since February. This is why we need a Special Magistrate, so a fine can be imposed and not given to a Town board that is not familiar with the legal applications of what you can and cannot do. Commissioner Feldman — Another thing I would like to mention is that if you have something in this Town and if you go through the proper means, it gets done. I noticed that Waste Management was picking up trash at a condominium next to mine at approximately 7:00 AM. I contacted Interim Town Manager Oakes and received an answer back from her stating that Waste Management cannot come into a complex before 8:00 AM. The Finance Department will remind Waste Management to pick up during the correct hours. Interim Town Manager Oakes — For the next meeting I am adding a discussion to take the Code Enforcement Board to a Special Magistrate. I have hired a Code Enforcement Officer and am in the process of doing background checks because it is very important Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29,2016 Pame 11 of 15 that those come back positive since this person will be on people's property and possibly in their homes. I made a decision to place his position under the supervision of the Police Chief. He understands my goals and my level of expectations when it comes to code enforcement issues. He has volunteered to take on this task. I have heard you loud and clear and we are going to develop policy and procedures to refer to when situations like these occur. It will be in a handbook as to how to move forward. Commissioner Feldman — I would like to compliment the Police Department. In the Highlander, it indicates that there is a safe place for e-commerce. For any resident that wants to buy or sell on the internet, you can notify the person to come to the back of the Police Department. It is a recorded and safe place to do business. If you want to come into the Police Department, you will have to notify them in advance. This is for the safety of our residents. I) Discussion on the Florida Retirement Program for Elected Official Commissioner Feldman — The Town puts in approximately $6,000 into the retirement fund each year for elected officials. I had a meeting with Finance Director Cale Curtis, and he indicated that most of the money goes back to the elected officials. The State is getting the money, and the Town is losing money on this. We should not offer this to any future elected officials. Town Attorney Torcivia—The Town signed an agreement with the Florida Retirement System in 2005 and it specifically states that the agreement cannot be revoked. All elected officials and future elected officials shall be compulsory members. I will call them and have an answer for you at the next meeting as to whether or not this can be done. Vice Mayor Weitz — We signed an agreement for the elected officials, future elected officials and each employee for the Town who are also in this retirement system. There are two different plans that the employees can take, and they have a choice as to which one they want. I do not see what the issue is. Employees are entitled to a retirement plan if it is offered to them by the State. Town Attorney Torcivia — I will find out if you do have a choice. Commissioner Feldman—It is only on the elected officials that the Town loses money. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the December 61, Commission agenda for discussion. I) Discussion Regarding Street Lighting Commissioner Zelniker — I would like a clear and precise decision from this Commission as to how involved we are going to be with this issue. Realistically, it will be another three years before the streetscape is completed. I do not want to wait that long for our residents to be able to safely cross AlA. It is a very dangerous situation, and we need to move forward now. There are other residents in this Town that are very involved in this. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29,2016 Page 12 of 15 It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the December 6' Commission agenda for discussion. ,l) Discussion Regarding Possible Canceling the December 27th Commission Workshop Meeting Vice Mayor Weitz — We have a workshop meeting on December 27th, which is the week between Christmas and New Year's. This Commission works hard, and we attend many additional meetings during the year. The workshop meeting is an informational meeting, and no motions or votes can be taken. It is a period of time when staff may want to take time off to be with family. I see no reason why we cannot cancel that meeting. Discussion ensued, and it was the consensus of the Commission to keep the December 27th Commission Workshop meeting as scheduled. 7. MISCELLANEOUS—ITEMS LEFT OVER: A) Minutes: • October 25, 2016—Workshop Meeting • November 1, 2016—Regular Meeting It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the December 6th Commission agenda. 8. REPORTS—TOWN COMMISSION: A) Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker — The Veteran's Day celebration in our Town was beautiful, and I had many compliments from our residents. I would like to thank our Training Accreditation Officer Eric Aronowitz and the Police Department for the message board and our Utilities Foreman Pat Roman for the beautiful "Honor our Veterans" banners. I also want to thank Tyrone Powell and Geoff Small for all their hard work in preparing Town Hall for Veteran's Day and Christmas and making our community beautiful. Especially our Christmas decorations, inside and out, a thank you goes to Rosalie DeMartino and Carol Stern who volunteered to help decorate the outside Christmas Tree. Regarding our beaches, we do live in a coastal area environment, and there is always beach erosion even with all the replenishing that goes on. The sand does come back eventually. Unfortunately, dredging does destroy our coral reefs, and this is something to consider. I want to thank Peter Rodis for all his hard work in the Library. Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29, 2016 Page 13 of 15 B) Commissioner Carl Feldman—We have been getting emails from the residents of Bel Lido. One of the problems is that the construction trucks park in front of the mailbox. The Town Manager is checking with the Postal Department to see if that is legal because the resident indicated that she has not been getting her mail. The streets are very narrow, and it is a problem for these large trucks to park. Perhaps the Building Department or the Town Manager can look into helping these contractors find a place to park rather than in front of a resident's home. If there is something wrong after hours, call the after-hours number for the Police Department and request a Highland Beach patrolman call you back(non-emergency). They will respond. C) Commissioner Louis Stern—Commissioner Stern was absent. D) Vice Mayor William Weitz — I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We have Light up the Holidays coming up on December P, and I hope all our residents will join us for a very festive and entertaining event. It is the holiday season and I wish everyone a safe and happy one with friends and family. E) Mayor Bernard Featherman — The Foot Lighters Club is giving me the Florida Mayor of the Year award on December 18, 2016. I am on many committees and served this Town well. I also have a TV show in Maine. We have a great Commission and our employees are hardworking employees. 9. REPORTS—TOWN ATTORNEY GLEN TORCIVIA: Just as the Interim Town Manager Oakes did, I heard loud and clear that the Commission wants to bring forward the Special Magistrate idea and get more aggressive on prosecuting those claims. 10. REPORTS—INTERIM TOWN MANAGER VALERIE OAKES: o Update on the penny sales surtax: The voters approved the one-cent sales surtax on November 8, 2016. The surtax shall commence on January 1, 2017, and automatically sunset on December 31, 2026, unless it is sunset earlier pursuant to the terms of County Ordinance No.2016-032. The Commission had decided to have their own oversight citizen committee and we will be incorporating these duties as part of the Financial Advisory Board. I will be bringing back a revised resolution to that effect. o Election Update: There is information in the Highlander regarding the election. I want to be clear as to why we have seats that will be opened. On October 19th, Commissioner Carl Feldman Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday,November 29, 2016 Paee 14 of 15 officially tendered his resignation as Town Commissioner pursuant to Section 7-4 of the Highland Beach Code of Ordinances Resign-to-Run. Commissioner Feldman has expressed his intentions to run for the office of Mayor/Commissioner. Therefore, there will be a vacant seat for an unexpired term ending March 2019. Commissioner Feldman has filed the necessary paperwork and will be seated as Commissioner in his current position until March 14, 2017, which is the date of the election. The three seats available will be the Mayor-Commissioner seat, which is a full three-year term; one Commissioner seat for a three-year term and one unexpired Commission seat that will end March 2019. Staff has begun to prepare the candidates qualifying information booklets, and they will be available in January during the qualifying period which begins at noon on January 31, 2017 and ends at noon on February 14, 2017. If you plan on running for office, please make an appointment with me as I am your Election Filing Officer. o Waste Management: There was an error in the Highlander regarding reminders on Page 11. The corrected dates are: Thursday, December 22"d — normal collection; Thursday, December 29th — normal collection and Christmas trees will be collected on January 2, 2017, between 7 AM and 5 PM. These changes will be available on our website and on Channel 99. o Resident meeting on December 81: There are informational brochures located at the back of the Commission Chambers. Any questions,please contact the Clerk's Office. o Light up the Holidays—Monday,December 5, 2016: We will be having the Dimensional Harmony Choir at this event. Also, there will be delicious treats,hot chocolate, coffee and a special gift for all of our residents who attend. Please park at St. Lucy's Church, and there will be a golf cart available to provide transportation to and from the Church. 11. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS DISCUSSED AT MEETING ONLY: Peter Rodis, 3224 S. Ocean Boulevard — It is very important to have code enforcement whether it be the Building Department or a Special Magistrate. John Boden, 3407 S. Ocean Boulevard — Could you give some consideration to having people speak during the second portion of public comments that are not related to agenda items? We need to work together for the beautification of this Town and get it done as soon as possible. Carl Gehman, 1123 Highland Beach Drive — We should be able to speak at the end of each meeting. I think it is a good idea to wait until 2018 for the streetscape project because we Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes Tuesday, November 29, 2016 Paye 15 of 15 have a$5 million-dollar water main project at this time. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy New Year. Melissa Ebbs, Camino Cove — I also agree that we should keep the public comments at the end of the meeting, but I also agree that they should be on agenda items only. I am happy to volunteer and help Commissioner Zelniker with the Spring Fling event. I am on the Code Enforcement Board and was very frustrated with the lack of power that we had at the meeting of November 16''. I felt that we should have been able to fine the individual back to February or at least August. We were strongly advised by the attorney not do that and felt that we had to take that legal counsel. The red tag is a stop work order. Perhaps it should say "If not stopped within the next 5 days, then action will be taken". The attorney indicated that if it had this message, legal action could possibly be taken. 12. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Mayor Featherman called for a motion to adjourn the Workshop Meeting at 4:05 PM. MOTION: Vice Mayor Weitz moved to adjourn the workshop meeting at 4:05 PM. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Feldman, which passed unanimously. APPROVED: 1 Bernard Featherman, Mayor Carl el man, Commissioner William Weitz, Vice Mayor Louis Stem, Commissioner aO CCCL o a Zelniker, a_,� is"sioner�� ES [A JCZ Lt Q r l -�R 01 7 Valerie Oakes, CMC, own erk Date e � FDOT Hearing Notes 11/30/2016 FDOT Secretary Jim Boxold was appointed Pedestrian Champion by the governor. He asked Gerry O'Reilly to be his second in command for the project to increase safety for Vulnerable Road Users— Bicyclists and Pedestrians. After speaking with Mr. Boxold, he referred me to Mr. O'Reilly, who referred me to Mr. Hathaway. Mr. Hathaway after hearing why I was calling stated he would have a survey done at the end of the year or first thing next year when the majority of residents will be in for the season. I do not know the type of survey he intends to conduct. I have conducted an informal survey via the condo associations involved, a copy of which is attached. The results are still being collected, and although informal will be provided to Mr. Hathaway when it is completed. Due to the substantial improvement of pedestrian's safety demonstrated by the National Pedestrian Study done in St. Petersburg, FL using pedestrian activated RRFB, Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons that changed driver compliance at crosswalks from a base line of 10.9% to 82.5% 1 request that this be the type of signage that should be installed in Highland Beach. It is the same type of signage used on A1A in the Ormond Beach area at the public beach parking areas. There are presently nine, sign-only crosswalks, and one pedestrian activated standard blinking yellow light at the southernmost end of town that was installed a number of years ago at the expense of the condominium of about $32,000. The present crosswalks also have "knock down" center of road signs that are continually being destroyed and need replacement on a continuing basis. I do not know what the cost is to replace to these signs. Pedestrian activated RRFB, Rectangular Rapid Flash Beacons can be installed at a cost of about $3,000 -$4,000 per crossing. That is two signs, one on each side of the road. In that there is great interest in improving pedestrian safety in Highland Beach, and in that this type of signage has been proven to be the greatly more effective than other systems, and that its cost is only about 10% of conventional, less effective lighting systems, I request FDOT to put this infinitely small cost project at the head of its list and install the RRFB systems as soon as feasible. It onlyrequires you to make the decision to proceed as the cost is so low that budgetary q Y p 9 rY considerations are not a factor and the system's effectiveness has already been proven. Thank you John Boden 3407 S. Ocean Blvd. #5B Highland Beach, FL 33487C t L A' t%c.� '' -WIN Resident Survey Pedestrian Crosswalks Highland Beach Although there here has been just one pedestrian fatality which occurred in 2010 in Highland Beach, the safety of pedestrians using the crosswalks on A1A to cross to and from the beach have caused a sufficient number of near misses and rear end collisions to warrant a review and consideration of installing an improved and safer system within the town. The Florida Department of Transportation, who must approve any changes to pedestrian crosswalks on A1A in Highland Beach, is planning to conduct an on-sight observation of some of the AM crosswalks. They anticipate this observation will not occur until January of 2017. To assist with the collection of information about the safety of Highland Beach's existing road striping, centerline "knockdown" signs, and unlighted roadside signs system that exist now it is hoped that citizens will take the time to provide information about their experiences by filling out this short survey to help the Florida Department of Transportation add to the data they expect to collect during their own observations. This survey is not being conducted by the Florida Department of Transportation nor the city of Highland Beach. It has been, prepared, distributed, and will be collected by John Boden of 3407 S. Ocean Blvd. strictly in his role a citizen concerned about safety our community. Pedestrian 1. Do you or your family use a crosswalk to access the beach? Yes No -� 2. Have you or your family experienced a crossing that was unsafe? Yes —) No —� 3. Have you or your family used a crossing at night? Yes No —� 4. Did the lack of lighting reduce you sense of safety? Yes No 5. Do carry a flash light and wear bright clothes when crossing at night? Yes ' No Driver 1. When driving have you had an unsafe experience at a crosswalk? Yes No 2. When driving have you not seen pedestrians until the last minute? Yes No 3. When driving at night does seeing pedestrians become more difficult? Yes No Li General 1. Do you support improved pedestrian safety at the city's crosswalks? Yes No --� Comments, and or name and address (not required) Please return your survey to your condominium office, or mail to: John Boden, 3407 S. Ocean Blvd. #5B, Highland Beach, FL 33487 TEL (561) 330-0770 or email to: jboden elderissues.com