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1986.01.20_BAA_Minutes_Regularr TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA • • BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT QUARTERLY MEETING JANUARY 20, 1986 1:30 P.M. Chairman Harold B. Cohen called the Quarterly Meeting of the Board of Adjustment of the Town of Highland Beach, to order at 1:30 P.M. Present were Regular Members Harold B. Cohen, Gilbert G. Lorenz, Charles Arbetman, A. M. Fox, Jr., Raymond Masciarella (alt.) and David Augenstein (alt.).. Absent was Regular Member Albert Kahler. Also present were Town Attorney David Friedman, Building Official Bruce Sutherland, Recording Secretary Anne Kowals and several Town residents. Chairman Cohen stated A. M. Fox, Jr., was appointed as a Regular Member to the Board of Adjustment for a three year term which ex- pires November, 1988; David Augenstein was appointed as an Alter- nate Member to the Board of Adjustment for a one year term which expires November, 1986. Chairman Cohen called for the approval of three sets of minutest first drafts and final copies were distributed to each member. Mr. Lorenz made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Arbetman, to accept and approve the minutes of: Vernon Investment Properties Corp. Public Hearing - 10/3/85 Yachtsman's Cove Townhouses Condo. Public Hearing - 10/3/85 Board of Adjustment Quarterly Meeting - 10/3/85 All members were in favor of the MOTION. Building Official Sutherland reported on the status of the building development in the Town of Highland Beach. VILLA NOVA - work is moving along on this project. CASUARINA - is nearing completion. ROYAL HIGHLANDS - discussion is continuing. They will be going back to the Town Commission. Planning Board approval was given. They are now in the process of working out the Settlement Stipulation. V F_ BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT • Quarterly Meeting January 20, 1986 Page 2 of 4 OLD BUSINESS• In reviewing the Operating Procedures, Town Attorney Friedman said paragraph J on page 4 was discussed previously and the last sentence was amended to read "The election of remedies, trial de novo, governed by the Florida Rules of Civil Procedure, or application for writ of certiorari, governed by the Florida Rules of Appellate Procedure, shall lie with the applicant." Attorney Friedman recommended the addition of paragraph J on page 8, to read as follows: "A variance is authorized only for height, area, and site of structure or size of yards and open spaces. See Florida Statute 163.170 (8)." In discussing paragraph F on page 2, Mr. Lorenz suggested changing 'convene' to 'schedule' and deletion of 'alternate members' from the . second sentence which would end with the addition of "and transmit copy of petition to Board Members, Mayor and Town Manager." Mr. Lorenz stated that, in paragraph H on page 4, 'Building Official' should be changed to 'Administrative Official'. Following lengthy discussion regarding this paragraph, members and Town Attorney Friedman agreed this matter requires further study and should be held in abeyance and placed on the agenda for the next Board of Adjustment Meeting. Mr. Lorenz said there is no authority in the ordinance for paragraphs B, C on page 5 and paragraph D on page 6; however, they appear to be logical. Attorney Friedman said paragraph B is a procedural matter, paragraph C is similar to Florida Statute 163.240 and paragraph D limits the powers of the Building Official. Chairman Cohen said the matters that were discussed will be reviewed and the 'Operating Procedure' will be up -dated. (Paragraph H on • page 4 is under question --'Administrative Official' will be used in paragraph H only). F, BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT Quarterly Meeting •. January 20, 1986 NEW BUSINESS: e 3 of 4 A discussion regarding the "taking of oath" prior to giving testimony followed. Town Attorney Friedman said there is no problem with swearing in a witness as long as it is limited to people who will make factual state- ments as opposed to someone who can not testify on personal knowledge. The Board of Adjustment, continued Attorney Friedman, is not required by statute to swear in witnesses; however, a petitioner and any resi- dents making factual statements (not opinions) may be put under oath. Chairman Cohen asked members to comment regarding this matter. Mr. Masciarella said he thought it was a good idea to have sworn testi- mony because it protects the Board on appeal; it can't hurt. Mr. Arbetman said it protects us on appeal and he sees no objection to • the oath. Both Mr. Lorenz and Mr. Fox said they thought it was a good idea. Mr. Masciarella made a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Arbetman, to require sworn testimony as to facts. All members were in favor of the MOTION. Town Attorney Friedman said the purpose of an oath is to keep people from making misstatements. If anyone has a religious objection or other valid reason, they would not be required to take an oath, continued Attorney Friedman. Chairman Cohen set the date for the next Quarterly Meeting on Monday, April 21, 1986, at 1:30 P.M. Mayor Sullivan addressed the Board and wished the members a Happy New Year and extended thanks and appreciation to all for their efforts and service to the Town. Chairman Cohen adjourned the Quarterly Meeting at 2:20 P.M. Is BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT • Quarterly Meeting January 20, 1986 ) Page 4 of 4 APPROVED • ✓�--�'"`-'`� c'� Harold B. C hen, Chairman . Lorenz, Vie Chairman Charles'Arbet Secretary — - )92M - A. M. Fox, Jr. Raymond Masciarella ATTEST • Date: . amk