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2017.02.13_TC_Minutes_Special TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING SPECIAL MEETING Monday, February 13, 2017 11:30 AM Mayor Featherman called the Special Meeting to order in the Town Hall Commission Chambers at 11:30 AM. CALL TO ORDER: Roll Call: Members Present: Mayor Bernard Featherman; Vice Mayor William Weitz, Ph.D.; Commissioner Carl Feldman and Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker. Also present: Town Manager Valerie Oakes; Town Attorney Glen Torcivia; Deputy Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins; Finance Director Cale Curtis; Public Works Director Ed Soper; Building Official Ken Bauer and members of the public. Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was given, followed by a moment 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 additions or deletions to the agenda. Item 3D: Vice Mayor Weitz added the status of the Town Manager's contract. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS: None. 3. NEW BUSINESS: A) Discussion of the Vacant Commission Seat for a One Year Unexpired Term ending March 2018 Town Manager Oakes — Louis Stern was elected Commissioner in March of 2012 and re-elected in March 2015 for an additional three year term. His passing on February 8, 2017 has left a vacancy on the Commission. Town Manager Oakes read Charter Section Town Commission Special Meeting Minutes February 13,2017 Page 2 of 6 1.06(11) regarding a vacancy on the Commission into the record, which requires this Commission to appoint an individual via a resolution to fill the vacancy until the next regular election. There is an upcoming election on March 14t`, and we do not have enough time per statutes to allow for advertisement and for a qualifying period which concludes tomorrow, February 14th at noon. The Town Attorney has stated that this vacancy will be filled and served until the election in March 2018. The Commission may immediately fill this seat, which is the same process that took place in 2015, or you may choose a different process. In any event,this seat must be filled by March 8, 2017. Commission Discussion: Vice Mayor Weitz — We lost a fine person and a fine Commissioner, who was well respected by all, way before his time. We are required by Charter to fill this vacancy within 30 days. The person I am considering is one that has attended almost every one of our Commission meetings; is apolitical; has stated that he does not intend to run again for election after filling this seat and would only be serving for a period of one year; has served on multiple community boards and designed a flag for the veterans in our community, which we hang proudly in our facilities. My recommendation is George Kelvin. Commissioner Feldman—George Kelvin has worked with Louis Stern on many projects that would benefit this Town. He has put his time and effort into this Town, and I would also recommend him for this seat. Commissioner Zelniker — I concur with my fellow Commissioners and also support George Kelvin. He is a veteran and very active in our community. Mayor Featherman—George Kelvin is an honorable and ethical man and I support him. George Kelvin accepted the seat as Commissioner. B) RESOLUTION NO. 17-003 R A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, FILLING A VACANCY ON THE COMMISSION UNTIL THE NEXT REGULAR GENERAL ELECTION MOTION: Vice Mayor Weitz moved to appoint George Kelvin. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Zelniker. ROLL CALL: Vice Mayor Weitz - Yes Commissioner Zelniker - Yes Commissioner Feldman - Yes Mayor Featherman - Yes Motion carried 4 to 0. Town Commission Special Meeting Minutes February 13, 2017 Page 3 of 6 Deputy Town Clerk Gaskins administered the Oath of Office to George Kelvin. C) Discussion on Honoring Louis Stern Town Manager Oakes — Commissioner Stern was loved by many people including us here on the dais and the staff. I felt it would be appropriate since Louis Stern was a sitting Commissioner when he passed away that we do something to honor him. One of the things we are looking to do in the future is renovating the walk path and doing the beautification. If the Commission found it appropriate, we could dedicate one of the benches near Russell Drive in his honor. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Feldman: I would like to do that and even more since Lou Stern was one hundred percent behind the streetscape project. I also think a plaque would be appropriate. We could also put together a collage of pictures of Lou and all that he has done for this Town. Town Manager Oakes — That was something I was thinking of doing as a gift to his wife Carol. There were many events that he attended. Commissioner Feldman— I would also like to hang it in Town Hall to keep his memory alive. Vice Mayor Weitz—The Town Manager's suggestions are excellent and we can support her in any way she feels is appropriate. Our goal is to honor, out of respect and love for Commissioner Stern and his family, and let them know he will always be a part of this Town. Commissioner Zelniker — I also agree that we should leave it to our Town Manager. Lou Stern did a great deal of work with children and perhaps we can do something in the Children's Library in his memory. That was a very important part of who he was. Commissioner Kelvin—I agree with my fellow Commissioners. D) Status of Town Manager's Contract Vice Mayor Weitz — The Commission has agreed on elevating Valerie Oakes to the position of Town Manager. We reviewed a generic form of the contract which included all the basic provisions. The actual numbers were the only thing missing from this contract. There was to be a meeting with Valerie Oakes, the Town Attorney and Mayor Featherman as a representative of this Commission. This a priority at this time and needs to be done this week at the latest. The Town Attorney has all the pertinent information needed, and there should be no reason why it can't be done this week. Mayor Featherman — I have a meeting scheduled for Friday at 2:30 PM. I am in the process of obtaining information from other municipalities. Commissioner Feldman — We were under the impression that this meeting was to take place last Friday. Town Commission Special Meeting Minutes February 13,2017 Page 4 of 6 Discussion ensued between Mayor Featherman and Vice Mayor Weitz. Vice Mayor Weitz called a point of order. Town Attorney Torcivia— I met with Valerie Oakes earlier today and she has looked at the contract. She has some thoughts as to things she would like to request. I also spoke with the Mayor earlier today and he has indicated that he has reached out to municipalities of similar size to get some information. I have data for Palm Beach County cities that I will provide to the Mayor and Ms. Oakes. We are all researching similarly what the salary range is and the benefits for a Town Manager for Palm Beach County municipalities similar to Highland Beach. Commissioner Kelvin read Roberts Rules of Order regarding a point of order. Commissioner Feldman — I feel that whenever a situation comes up between two Commissioners,the Town Attorney should be speaking immediately. 4. REPORTS—TOWN COMMISSION: A) Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker— There are many exceptional people who live in our Town. We have many areas where people can participate and we are always looking for volunteers. B) Commissioner Carl Feldman — The election is on March 14th and the polling place is now being held in the Library. Please come out to vote. C) Commissioner George Kelvin—No report. D) Vice Mayor William Weitz — Congratulations to Mr. Kelvin on his appointment as Commissioner. Chief Hartmann and Town Manager Oakes are working diligently to coordinate the election that will be held at the Library. My position as a Commissioner is to be able to do a status check on what I feel is a priority issue, and I will never give up my right to do so. E) Mayor Bernard Featherman — We had a fine turnout at Coffee with the Mayor. We work for our Town and care about our residents. 5. REPORTS—TOWN ATTORNEY GLEN I TORCIVIA: No report. 6. REPORTS—INTERIM TOWN MANAGER VALERIE OAKS: I want to congratulate Commissioner Kelvin and look forward to working with you in this capacity. Town Commission Special Meeting Minutes February 13,2017 Page 5 of 6 Last week I met with Father Horgan from St. Lucy's Church. He has given me a verbal authorization to utilize the Church's parking lot on Election Day and for other events the Town may hold. We continue to look forward to keeping a good relationship with the church. There will be a Memorial Service for Commissioner Stern. When I receive the details from Mrs. Stern, I will get it out to the community. 7. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS DISCUSSED AT MEETING ONLY: Carol Wittenberg, 3912 South Ocean Boulevard — Congratulation to George Kelvin on his appointment. You have been at every meeting for many years and I commend you for that and thank you for your service to this Town. Carl Gehman, 1123 Highland Beach Drive — From one veteran to another, I want to congratulate George Kelvin. Don Gill, 4740 South Ocean Boulevard — I also want to congratulate George Kelvin on his appointment. 8. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Featherman called for a motion to adjourn the Special Meeting at 12:12 PM. MOTION: Commissioner Feldman moved to adjourn the Special Meeting at 12:12 PM. The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Weitz, which passed unanimously. Town Commission Special Meeting Minutes February 13,2017 Page 6 of 6 APPROVED: 4volw' n Bernard Featherman, M yor William Weitz, Vice Mayor � 1 Carl Feldman, Commissioner George Kelvin, Commissioner � A L � nda Zelnike , ommissioner ATTEST: Valerie Oakes, CMC ate Town Clerk Ex Officio