2017.04.25_TC_Minutes_WorkshopTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 1.30 PM
Mayor Carl Feldman called the Workshop Meeting to order in the Town Commission Chambers
at 1:30 PM.
CALL TO ORDER:
Roll Call: Members present: Mayor Carl Feldman; Vice Mayor William Weitz, Ph.D.;
Commissioner George Kelvin; Commissioner Elyse Riesa and Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker.
Also present: Town Attorney Glen Torcivia; Town Manager Valerie Oakes; Town Clerk
Lanelda Gaskins; Police Chief Craig Hartmann; Finance Director Cale Curtis; Public Works
Director Ed Soper; Library Director Lois Albertson and Building Official Ken Bauer
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commission, followed by a
moment of silence for the passing of the former Commissioner John Sorelli.
Civility Pledge: The Civility Pledge was recited by the Town Clerk.
1. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
Mayor Feldman called for any additions or deletions to the agenda. Hearing none, the
agenda was accepted as presented.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS:
Barry Donaldson, 3700 South Ocean Boulevard followed up on his report presented at the
April 4h Regular Commission meeting regarding building elevations. He presented an
article from Bloomberg News.com regarding rising sea levels; copies of which will be
distributed to the Commission. He commented on his Community Action Point No. 2
regarding the strengthening of Town Boards, which he read into the record and attached as
Exhibit "A". He also commented on his Community Action Point No. 3 regarding the
walkway (Linear Par), read into the record and attached as Exhibit `B".
Carl Gehman, 1123 Highland Beach Drive thanked the Town Commission and the Town
Manager for the great job that is being done regarding the water main project.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 2 of 14
3. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS:
A) Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year ending September 2016
By: Grau & Associates
Rachel Macintosh, Audit Partner with Grau & Associates gave a brief presentation on
the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year Ended September 30,
2016, highlighting the following:
o Pages 1 and 2 — The financial statements present fairly in all material respects, the
financial operations of the Town for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2016.
o Page 11 — Balance Sheet —Governmental Funds
o Page 13 — Statement of Revenues and Expenditures
o Page 15 — Balance Sheet for Enterprise Funds (Water and Sewer Utilities).
o Page 16 — Statement of Revenues and Expenses for the water and sewer funds.
o Page 38 — Long Term Liabilities
o Page 50 — Note disclosure for the Florida Retirement System
o Pages 61 and 62 — Town's Budget to Actual Report
o Pages 91 and 92 — Town's Compliance Reports
o Page 93 — Report on Town's Compliance with Florida Statute 218.415 which is the
investment statutes. The Town is in compliance.
o Page 95 — Report to Management
Commission Discussion:
Commissioner Zelniker — The Town is in great shape. I want to thank the auditors for
meeting with each Commissioner and answering any questions we had.
Vice Mayor Weitz thanked Grau & Associates for their professionalism and Finance
Director Cale Curtis and staff for their excellent work. He questioned whether the
reserve funds for certain areas were sufficiently allocated for the distant future. Ms.
Macintosh — You are okay for now. There is a reserve study done for the water and
utilities for a period of 20 to 30 years.
Mayor Feldman — There is $3.5 million dollars in the Water Fund from the sale of the
Boca Raton property. The Town is in great financial shape, and it is due mostly to our
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Paue 3 of 14
Finance Director. We have updated the water fees so we should be safe for the next 20
to 30 years.
B) Friends of the Library
By: Dorothy Kellington
Library Director Lois Albertson introduced Dorothy Kellington, Co -President of Friends
of the Library.
Dorothy Kellington — The Friends of the Library is a 5013c organization made up of
volunteers who receive no compensation for time expended on behalf of the Town
Library. They conduct fundraising activities to benefit the Library. Some of our
accomplishments are as follows:
o Printed and sold Highland Beach T-shirts
o Purchased 4 laptop computers
o Sponsored Halloween Party for the Children's program.
o Art exhibits
o Purchased ballpoint pens and magnetic bookmarks for patron take -away.
o Purchased a wheeled dolly to move the Grand piano in the Community Room, as
well as an adjustable bench to accommodate the change heights of performers.
Friends of the Library activities for next season are currently in the early planning
stages. They will continue to provide the cultural and educational programs and looking
into some type of fundraiser.
Commission Discussion:
Commissioner Riesa complimented Ms. Kellington on how well she is managing the
Friends of the Library and her interaction with the Library Director Lois Albertson.
Commissioner Kelvin also thanked Ms. Kellington for a job well done.
Commissioner Zelniker thanked her for all the fundraising she has done for the Diabetes
Foundation and the great job she has done representing the Friends of the Library.
Vice Mayor Weitz congratulated her on a great presentation. As a 5013c Organization,
he asked about the budget and how much reserves they currently had. Ms. Kellington —
We currently have reserves only because we had begun to fundraise in anticipation of
providing something for enclosing the terraces. We pretty much stay in what IRS
regulations are in terms of capital that you keep and save for operating expenses for the
next year.
Mayor Feldman asked if there could be evening performances for those who work. Ms.
Kellington — We did try to arrange a later performance but there was no difference in the
amount of attendance.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Paue 4 of 14
C) Proclamations:
Town Clerk Gaskins read the following Proclamations into the record:
• Municipal Clerk Week- May 7t" thru May 13"
• Drinking Water Week — May 7d' thru May 13d'
• Florida Association of City Clerk Month — April 2017
• Building Safety Month — May 2017
The Consensus of the Commission to place this item on the May 2nd Consent Agenda.
4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
A) Board Correspondence:
• None
B) Board Action Report:
• None
C) Board Vacancies:
• Beaches & Shores Advisory Board — Two Vacancies (One Three Year Term and
One Unexpired Term ending July 2017)
• Code Enforcement Board — Four Vacancies (One Full Term; Two Unexpired
Terms ending May 2017; and One Unexpired Term ending May 2018)
• Planning Board — One Vacancy (Unexpired Term ending September 2019)
D) Monthly Meetings and Events:
• Town Commission Regular Meeting — May 2, 2017 — 1:30 PM
• Planning Board Meeting — May 10, 2017 — 9:30 AM
• Palm Beach County League of Cities Installation Banquet — May 17, 2017 — 11:00
AM
• Town Hall Closed — Memorial Day — May 29, 2017
• Town Commission Workshop Meeting — May 30, 2017 — 1:30 PM
• Planning Board Special Meeting — May 31, 2017 — 9:30 AM
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
None.
6. NEW BUSINESS:
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Pasie 5 of 14
A) Authorize the Mayor to Execute Amendment No. 1 to the Drinking Water State
Revolving Fund Construction Loan Agreement between the State of Florida
Department of Environmental Protection and the Town of Highland Beach
Town Manager Oakes — On February 7, 2017, the Town Commission approved the
State Revolving Fund (SRF) financial assistance agreement that provides the low-
interest funding for our water main replacement and remineralization projects. The
original agreement contains a provision that specifies eligible costs as work performed
on or after August 10, 2016. This provision erroneously excluded the vast majority of
the Town's engineering and administrative allowance costs ($305,408) associated with
the design and bidding of the two projects. Therefore, Amendment I to the SRF
agreement provides language that includes the $305,408 as disbursable costs under
advance funding provisions. These are not additional costs to the project or are they
increases in the loan amount. In short, this amendment provides appropriate legal
language to disburse funds that are already available within the loan agreement.
The Consensus of the Commission was to place this item on the May 2nd Consent
Agenda.
B) Discussion on the Streetscape Project
Town Manager Oakes — We contracted with Mathews Consulting to provide a
preliminary design. We received five different proposals ranging from the most basic
to just replacing the walk path with something more extravagant.
Commission Discussion:
Vice Mayor Weitz — It is my recommendation for the Mayor to chair an Ad Hoc
Committee on streetscape. Under his authority, he could review the residents of this
Town who are professionals with different qualifications and skills. There are many
talented people in our Town who could give guidance and make recommendations
regarding the proposals received from Mathews Consulting. Once reviewed by the
Commission, it would need to go out for referendum based on the size of the project
and the cost.
Commissioner Riesa — I am in agreement with Vice Mayor Weitz. We have many
talented people in this Town who would have a dedication to ensure it is what the
residents want. We could look into the various boards since there are many qualified
people on those boards.
Commissioner Kelvin — Since the proposals have three different types of material, how
would this be presented in referendum form and could you have multiple questions?
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 6 of 14
Town Attorney Torcivia — Mentioned that this could be done, but might be confusing
to the residents. Town Manager Oakes — Explained that with a referendum question,
we are limited by the State of Florida as to how many words can be in a question (75
words).
Commissioner Zelniker — After a decision is made by this committee, I strongly feel
we need to have open meetings at the Library to give the three presentations and have
the residents involved in this project. A survey should go out to every registered voter
in this community with the type of choice and cost.
Vice Mayor Weitz — I agree that we should provide some educational seminars and
advise the public, but I am not in favor of sending out questionnaires. It is the
responsibility of this Commission for making choices relevant to the input we receive
from the public at these meetings.
Mayor Feldman indicated that he has discussed this with Town Manager Oakes and
she is willing to make presentations at each Condominium Association. We could also
have meetings at the Library. The referendum question needs to be submitted by the
first week in February 2018, so we need to work on this expeditiously.
Town Manager Oakes — I would suggest we bring this item to the May 2nd meeting for
the Commission to approve creating an Ad Hoc Committee for the streetscape project
and give authority to the Mayor to independently appoint members to that committee.
The Consensus of the Commission was to place this item on the May 2nd Agenda
under New Business.
C) Consideration of Placing an Ad in the Florida League of Cities (FLC) Conference
Issue of the Quality Cities Magazine
Town Manager Oakes — Explained that for a number of years, the Town of Highland
Beach has placed a congratulatory ad in the Conference Issue of the Florida League of
Cities Quality Cities Magazine. We have received the Florida League of Cities ad
notice for this year's conference which will be held at the World Center Marriott in
Orlando, Florida on August 17th thru 19th. To purchase the same half page as previous
years, the ad will cost $400.00. Funds have been allocated in the budget to cover this
expense.
The Consensus of the Commission was to place this item on the May 2nd Consent
Agenda.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Paae 7 of 14
D) Discussion on the Town Boards:
Commissioner Riesa — My concern is that we have wonderful board names and
wonderful people on these boards but they are not necessarily doing all the things that
we set out and wanted them to do.
0 Beaches & Shores Advisory Board
Commissioner Riesa referred to Resolution No. 815 which states the responsibilities of
this Board. She stated that she is in favor of keeping the Beaches & Shores Advisory
Board but expanding it into a Beautification Club because so many more members are
needed to make this organization (take away the name advisory board) keep the
beaches clean.
Mayor Feldman suggested Commissioner Riesa present this to the Board and get their
feelings on whether this is the proper way to go.
Commissioner Zelniker referred to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and felt some of the
topics should be included in the responsibilities of this Board.
Vice Mayor Weitz — I agree if we should look at this Board as an advisory board or a
voluntary environmental task force. We have no public beaches and they have great
ideas for an area where we have no authority. As an environmental task force group
they can accomplish many of these things with Town funding.
Commissioner Riesa will present her ideas to the Beaches and Shores Advisory Board
• Board of Adjustment and Appeals
Commissioner Riesa does not feel anything needs to be done with the Board of
Adjustment and Appeals at this time.
Code Enforcement Board
Commissioner Riesa referred to Ordinance No. 09-003 O discharging the Code
Enforcement Board and going to a Special Magistrate, and Ordinance No. 11-001 O
reestablishing this Board. This is a residential board making legal decisions upon
other residents. There will be changes made to the Building Department and the hiring
of a Code Enforcement Officer under the supervision of the Town Manager. I am in
favor of putting a temporary hold on this Board and having a Special Magistrate put in
place until we have all the proper people in place.
Commissioner Kelvin served on the Code Enforcement Board and felt the members
understood all the material presented to them and acted accordingly.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 8 of 14
Commissioner Zelniker — We should leave it as it is until we have the proper people in
place. We need to hire a strong Code Enforcement Officer.
Vice Mayor Weitz is in agreement that there should be a Special Magistrate because
this is a quasi-judicial board that requires knowledge of our legal system. They are
highly trained, cost effective and they avoid legal liabilities.
Mayor Feldman is also in favor of a Special Magistrate.
Town Manager Oakes — It is my understanding that Commissioner Riesa, Vice Mayor
Weitz and Mayor Feldman are in favor of a Special Magistrate. I previously received
three proposals when we initially decided on this. I will see if they are still interested
in the position. We could put this on the May 2nd Agenda under Miscellaneous -Items
Left Over for further discussion and the Commission can take the appropriate action to
direct the Town Manager.
Financial Advisory Board
Commissioner Riesa — In speaking with the Town Manager, she and the Town Clerk
are working to ensure that there are proper qualifications listed on the applications for
the boards. Are we utilizing the Financial Advisory Board to the fullest extent
possible? I feel we are not taking advantage of very exceptional and talented people
on this board.
Commissioner Zelniker referred to Resolution No. 15-006 R dated August 4, 2015,
specifying the responsibilities of the Financial Advisory Board. This board should be
reviewing different insurance packages at this time for the employees and they should
be utilized more than they are. She feels the Financial Advisory Board members
should attend all the budget meetings and give the Commission their input and be
involved more with the monetary situation of the Town.
Vice Mayor Weitz — I am in agreement that we are not getting effective or meaningful
input from the Financial Advisory Board which are composed of bright and capable
people. This board is an advisory group to the Commission and a critical one. Instead
of limiting them, we should be authorizing them to do certain things and look at what
functions they should perform.
Mayor Feldman — I disagree with all the Commissioners. This Town is running
exceptionally financially. We have a terrific Finance Department run by Finance
Director Cale Curtis, and he is doing a tremendous job. He runs on openness. The
Commissioners get a tally on all that is being spent and we have many meetings with
the Finance Director. I think it should be the Finance Director's decision, along with
the Town Manager, to determine if he needs any help. We can work with the Finance
Department to review insurance policies, etc. I don't think a secondary board is
necessary at this time.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Paize 9 of 14
Vice Mayor Weitz did not agree and requested that the input should come from the
Chair of the Financial Advisory Board. Town Manager Oakes and Finance Director
Curtis will meet with the Financial Advisory Board Chair.
Planning Board
Commissioner Riesa — The duties of the Planning Board are absolutely necessary, and
I would like to see additional duties outside of what they already have. They are
professional people, engineers, and architects and are very capable people who could
give us a better understanding in handling our ordinances and our codes. She also
would like to see a full board consisting of seven members.
Mayor Feldman asked that the vacancy be filled now since there has been a discussion
on the Planning Board, and it was determined that they should have a full board.
The Consensus of the Commission was to place the appointment to the Planning Board
on the May 2nd Regular Agenda.
E) Approval of Town Commission Meeting Minutes:
• March 23, 2017 — Special Minutes
• March 28, 2017 — Workshop Minutes
• April 4, 2017 — Regular Minutes
The Consensus of the Commission was to place this item on the May 2nd Consent
Agenda.
7. MISCELLANEOUS — ITEMS LEFT OVER:
None.
8. REPORTS — TOWN COMMISSION:
A) Commissioner Elyse Riesa
o Hazardous Waste — Mayor Feldman spoke on this subject explaining how
hazardous waste such as drugs, needles, oil barrels, etc. is handled. Our Police
Department is to be called, and they, in turn, will contact the Delray Beach Fire
Department Hazardous Waste Department.
o CPR Training for the Residents — As the CERT leader for Highland Beach, we CPR
trained all members who wanted to be part of this. I would like to see this be
offered to all residents who would want to be trained in CPR. Chief Hartmann is
working on a plan to offer this free training to individual condominiums or here at
the Police Department.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 10 of 14
B) Commissioner George Kelvin referred to the Department of Transportation's report
regarding rules and regulations pertaining to drivers. Nothing was addressed for
pedestrians. They need to have a sign that says "look both ways before crossing". He
also indicated that the graphics in this report need to be addressed. Regarding Milani
Park, a letter was sent to Comcast by Town Attorney Torcivia requesting they remove
their equipment from Milani Park and the cutoff date was June 1St. If they do not abide
by this request, will we fine Comcast? Commissioner Kelvin commented on the 50 to
100 bicyclists riding along AIA which caused a tremendous road hazard. He
investigated bicycle detecting devices and suggested the Town look into this.
C) Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker asked Public Works Director Soper to look into
having AIA cleaned. She also commented on having French drains put in new
construction when they are built on higher ground. Memorial Day is coming and she
would like to have all the condominiums in Town put up the American Flag. A blast
email will be sent to all the condominiums as a reminder.
D) Vice Mayor William Weitz — Regarding the CPR training, if you want the Town to be
involved, there is a cost factor as well as a liability factor. This should come before the
Commission before any action is taken. I want to thank our staff for the wonderful job
that has been done with the water main project. The Town Manager has informed me
that we are approximately two months ahead of the projected completion time. I also
want to thank our Police Department and Fire Department for the excellent work done
with regards to the emergency that took place a few weeks ago. However, I do have an
issue with Florida Power and Light (FP&L). I want to know why an electrical wire fell
and why their service is lacking in maintenance in this Town. We need to have serious
responses from them.
Town Manager Oakes — We have contacted Florida Public Utilities and Florida Power
and Light requesting a forensic investigation on what occurred. Vice Mayor Weitz —
They need to be accountable, and I would like them to present their findings at a public
meeting.
Vice Mayor Weitz — In response to a comment made during Public Comments, this
Commission and this Town have been actively involved in a regional climate control
for the last two years. We are active in the Treasure Coast South Florida Coastal
Community Environmental group that meets on a regular basis. Public Works Director
Soper is our representative and attends these meetings.
E) Mayor Carl Feldman — I am concerned with the Florida Retirement Plan that we as
Commissioners are a part of. This plan does nothing for the Commissioners except it
costs the Town money. (Mayor Feldman explained how the plan works). I can opt out
because I have been re-elected to another position. If you can opt out, it would save the
Town a great deal of money.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 11 of 14
Mayor Feldman complimented Valerie Oakes for the exceptional job she has been
doing as Town Manager and also complimented the other department heads and the
Police Department for their excellent work in making this Town so terrific. He
congratulated Carol Holland, Building Department Office Manager on joining the
International Code Council which will allow her to take training classes and expand her
knowledge base that pertains to her job.
9. REPORTS — TOWN ATTORNEY GLEN TORCIVIA:
o Update on Milani Park
Comcast's equipment is there to perform the work they need to do in Town. Town
Manager Oakes and Public Works Director Soper have been in constant contact with
them. The County has also notified them that they need to be off the County property by
June 1 sc
o Response to Citizen Communication
At your request, I responded to the citizen's communication, a copy of which was given
to you.
10. REPORTS — TOWN MANAGER VALERIE OAKES:
o Town Manager Oakes gave a brief history of former Commissioner John Sorrelli,
his accomplishments, his volunteer work, his humanitarian ventures and his
dedication to the Town. Our thoughts are with his family.
o Update on the water main replacement project:
The final restoration is being performed on both phases of the project. She detailed
the items that still needed to be addressed. The team will perform a project
walkthrough on April 27t'. The project remains approximately two months ahead
of schedule and should be completed by the end of May.
o Remineralization Project:
There are no significant changes at this time except that the additional materials
and equipment continue to be reviewed to ensure that all items provided as part of
the project will meet contract specifications. Groundbreaking is expected to occur
the first week in May. Information will be provided as the project advances.
o I want to thank Commissioner Riesa for her hard work in obtaining a proposal with
AT&T to upgrade our equipment. She worked diligently with the Finance Director
and they anticipate that these upgrades will result in substantial savings to the
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 12 of 14
Town. Thank you for all that you have done with this project and utilizing your
negotiating skills.
o We have had problems with blackouts and delays on Channel 99 recently. We are
replacing our encoder with Comcast which is what enables the residents to view
Channel 99. Thanks to our Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins, she was able to obtain
this encoder at no cost to the Town.
o Town Manager Oakes gave an update on the new automation in the Building
Department with the program Smart Gov.
o I met with the Police Chief, Lieutenant, Town Attorney and the Building Official to
discuss the implementation of a code citation process which is separate from a code
enforcement process. It would allow us the opportunity to give on demand fines.
We are also looking to develop a construction management handbook to work with
the code citation process.
o There is an upcoming art exhibit. The opening reception will be held by Friends of
the Library on April 27 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
o In celebration of the American Water Works Association Annual Drinking Water
Week May 7`" through the 13th, the Library is holding a children's program on
Tuesday, May 9t` at 4:00 pm. Public Works Director Soper will give a presentation
on the vital role that water plays in our lives and children can create a water themed
craft to be displayed in Town Hall.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS
DISCUSSED AT MEETING ONLY:
Myles Schlam, 3600 South Ocean Boulevard stated his desire and interest in serving the
Town in the capacity of Special Magistrate and gave a brief description of his credentials
and is a member of the Florida Bar. He had requested that he be considered for this position
at a past meeting. Mayor Feldman and Town Manager Oakes stated that he could fill out an
application for this position.
Peggy Gossett Seidman, 4312 Intracoastal Drive commented on the gas leak emergency that
took place last week and complimented the Police Department on the excellent work they
did to help the residents. She also commented on the AT&T problem that existed on her
street with the wiring and asked if the Town would consider burying these cable wires when
planning to do the streetscape project. Another consideration for the streetscape project
would be to have more of a walkway for the entrance into Bel Lido and less landscaping for
the pedestrians crossing.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 13 of 14
Carl Gehman, 1123 Highland Beach Drive questioned the Friends of the Library 5013c and
was concerned that they were vague as to their budget and the amount of money they have
coming in and going out. He is also in favor of starting the streetscape project as soon as
possible and would like the entire Town to be involved. Thank you to the Commission,
Town Manager and Town Clerk for the excellent work they do for the Town.
12. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Feldman called for
a motion to adjourn the Workshop Meeting at 4:10 PM.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Weitz moved to adjourn the workshop meeting at 4:10 PM. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Zelniker, which passed unanimously.
APPROVED:
7
Carl Feldman, Mayor
William Weitz, Vice May r
i
George Kelvin, C4mmissi
Town Commission Workshop Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 25, 2017 Page 14 of 14
ATTEST•
—A4�—
�'anel& Gaskins, MMV, Town Clerk Date
Barry Donaldson
3700 S Ocean Boulevard, 1608
Highland Beach, FL 33487
561-445-6446 bdonaldson@donaldsongroup.com
April 25, 2017
The Town of Highland Beach Mayor and Commissioners
3614 South Ocean Blvd.
Highland Beach, FL 33487
To: The Town of Highland Beach Mayor and Commissioners
RE: Community Action Point No. 2 (CAP 2)
Strengthen Town Boards
I am pleased to address the Commission today regarding the need to strengthen
the Town Boards, as this was one of the key points in my recent campaign as you
may have noticed in my mailer. By way of follow up this is my Community Action
Point #2.
As I mentioned in my Community Action Point #1, presented to you at your last
workshop, this is one of a series of topics that need to be reviewed by the Town
Commission in a comprehensive and inter-related manner. I alluded to this in CAP
1, stressing the importance of involving the Board of Beaches and Shores in
consideration of necessary actions related to our unique position as a small barrier
island subject to the vagrancies of flooding and, I would add as pointed out to me
after the meeting, dredging of the Intracoastal water and related discharge at
ocean outlets. This last observation should remind us that issues related to some of
our Boards are not just local, but regional in nature so we need to think along those
lines.
To that end, and in the limited time I have, here are some thoughts for your
consideration:
1 . The mandate of the Board of Beaches and Shores needs to be expanded to
be more inclusive of the environmental sensitivity of our small barrier island
town. Their duties and responsibilities need to be more clearly defined.
0o#Dd 1 dSo n - q/25 J 17 V14 , - "F"Ii c. CoM rvLen_fs �Turt2
Further, they should be tasked with developing a strategic plan for
environmental issues in Highland Beach. I might suggest a new name for this
Board be created more closely aligned with the pro-active role you
ultimately define for them.
2. The cost of a Planning Department for a largely residential community seems
excessive; nonetheless, the Commission should give consideration to periodic
review of overall physical planning needs of the Town, bringing in qualified
consultants to guide and assist in that effort. Again, the regional impacts
need to be considered, not just the issues within Town limits.
3. The Commission may wish to consider assigning a Commissioner to each
Board to act as a liaison and provide other Commissioners with up to date
evaluations of the actions and needs of each Board.
4. Not the least of actions, ask the Board members where they feel they
strengths and weaknesses lie, and take steps to reinforce their ability to
achieve their mandates. Education and Training are key. For example, I
attended a Planning Board meeting where the petitioner's architect had to
explain to the Board how the base floor elevation of a home on the
beachfront is established. This is basic information Board members should be
provided as they before they undertake their duties. Also, how much
knowledge about the Florida Building Code and enforcement do the
members of the Code Enforcement Board actually have? Have we ever had
a code specialist prepare a general outline of key points for their study and
guidance or conduct a question and answer workshop for that Board?
5. Finally, the Commission may wish to update its own Strategic Plan, as several
of the items have been accomplished, while others are getting underway.
I wish time permitted more background and comment, but those are some thoughts
I have about strengthening the Board system in Highland Beach.
Sincerely,
Barry Donaldson, AIA
IM GINE
and
/ACHIEVE
2 ■�
t,?C qI2 ,p17 �c
Barry Donaldson
3700 S Ocean Boulevard, 1608
Highland Beach, FL 33487
561-445-6446 bdonaldson@donaldsongroup.com
March 28, 2017
The Town of Highland Beach Mayor and Commissioners
3614 South Ocean Blvd.
Highland Beach, FL 33487
To: The Town of Highland Beach Mayor and Commissioners
RE: Community Action Point No. 3
The Walkway (linear Park)
Among the many issues discussed during the recent elections perhaps the Walkway
received the most attention, perhaps second only to the flooding on Al A.
During that time, I challenged the Commission and the voters to think large and
quoted the architect and city planner Daniel Burnham. I think that quote deserves
full recitation today:
"Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir men's blood and probably
themselves will not be realized. Make big plans; aim high in hope and work,
remembering that a noble, logical diagram once recorded will never die, but long
after we are gone be a living thing, asserting itself with ever-growing insistency.
Remember that our sons and our grandsons are going to do things that would
stagger us. Let your watchword be order and your beacon beauty."
In the limited time I have today I am offering a vision of a walkway in Highland
Beach that can be more than just a walkway, and should be more than just a
walkway.
First, let's agree the report by Mathews Engineering that was mistakenly represented
by some as a design, is in fact not a design. It is a preliminary cost estimate with
some options for street lighting, trash cans and benches. It is not, nor was it meant
to be, the far-reaching vision the Town needs to consider.
So what might that vision actually be and how do we get there?
r
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Well, first, a lot of it depends on the resident-voters of Highland Beach, and they
need to be included in formulating that vision from Day One.
Second, the Commission needs to identify a well-qualified design team to lead this
process and help create the vision in a fashion that can be properly priced and
represented to the Town resident-voters as one that enhances the Town and helps
shape the identity of Highland Beach as a quality residential community for the
future.
I would like to offer some thoughts about that vision as a point of departure:
1 . It should be a walkway conceived as a linear park, looking to expand into
available areas in Highland Beach for green space. This includes both Milani
Park and the property south of Toscana, which by the way, is still on the
market. Let's not miss that opportunity. The money realized in the sale of real
estate in Boca Raton should be used to acquire other real estate for the
benefit of the Town before it is too late.
2. It should incorporate components of art, both in the walkways surfaces and
along the path wherever possible. Start with the entry signs at the north and
south ends of town, and think about how public art incorporated into the
signage might begin to define our community.
3. It should be environmentally responsive to our continuing flooding issues
along Al A. Nothing in the Mathews Engineering cost estimate gives
consideration to incorporating pervious concrete surfacing in the worst of our
flooding areas to permit direct flow of water from the path surface to the soil
below. Rather, it continues to promote the sheet flow of water off solid
concrete surfaces. Have we learned nothing about our flooding conditions
in Highland Beach and new ways to handle water runoff? We need to think
about this, and do so within the context of the continued flooding along Al A.
4. We should invite our single and multi-family residences and sole business
along Al A to join in a public-private initiative to enhance the linear park with
works of art in public view.
Again, I ask that you make no little plans. The realization of a higher quality of life in
Highland Beach is possible through bold initiatives and a vision that creates an
identity for which our town might be known. Let's not miss this opportunity to make a
difference.
IM GINE
and
/lkACHIEVE
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