Loading...
1988.03.01_TC_Minutes_Regular''. r ~-- ~ TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission REGULAR MEETING Tuesday, March 1, 1988 1:30 P.M. A Regular Meeting of the Town Commission was called to order by Mayor Betty Jean Stewart in the Town Commission Chambers of Town Hall. Also present were Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser, Commissioners John J. Basso, David T. Robinson and Robert F. Scholz. Also present were Town Manager/Town Clerk Mary Ann Mariano, Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, Building Official Bruce Sutherland, Record- ing Secretary Anne M. Kowals and members of the general public. After the roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was given. ADOPTION OF AGENDA Mayor Stewart noted there was one addition to the Agenda, that being the Minutes of the Special Meeting of January 26, 1988. There was a Special Meeting held in the middle of that meeting and the Mayor requested that be included in the approval of the Minutes section. As there were no objections, COMMISSIONER BASSOfVICE MAYOR BLOSSER made a MOTION to adopt the Amended Agenda. The MOTION carried unanimously. APPROVAL OF MINUTES January 26, 1988 - Workshop Meeting January 26, 1988 - Special Meeting February 02, 1988 - Regular Meeting MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER BASSO/COMMISSIONER SCHOLZ to approve the Minutes as submitted. MOTION carried unanimously with favorable votes. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS None REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION Mayor Betty Jean Stewart Mayor Stewart reported on the Palm Beach County Beaches and Shores Council Meeting she attended on February 8, 1988, at 1:00 P.M. Hank Pearl is the new Chairman and he represents the Boca Raton Taxing District; Lester Baird of Ocean Ridge is the liaison to the County Commission. The discussion centered on the future direction of the Beaches and Shores Council. Approximately 25 people attended this meeting. Highland Beach Resolution No. 520, opposing off shore drilling in the coastal areas of Florida, was read into the minutes of • . , Town Commission Regular Meeting March 1, 1988 Page 2 of 7 this meeting. Mayor Stewart secured information from the director that would allow us large pictures of the West side tract in Highland Beach and a copy of the Treasure Coast Regional Plan - Coastal element for our land use planners to utilize. Beaches and Shores material is available for review, said Mayor Stewart. Mayor Stewart noted that she and Town Manager Mariano attended a meet- ing of the Palm Beach Municipal League on January 27, 1988, at which time the League endorsed a plan to bring back the Municipal Court System. The establishment of Municipal Courts would reduce the time the police spend traveling to the County Courts. Mayor Stewart acknowledged receipt of a letter from Boca Harbour- Harbour Island Association,. Inc. dated February 15, 1988, and stated the letter would be read into the Minutes at a subsequent meeting when the Town Commission would be discussing Hidden Harbor. Mayor Stewart received a letter of the Town of Palm Beach which 8, 1988, ballot regarding the P. proposal could affect taxes for • are urged to look at both sides on this matter. dated February 22, 1988, from the Mayor addressed the Referendum on the March elm Beach County Health Care Act.. This property owners in the County. Voters of the issue before making a decision Mayor Stewart noted the receipt of an invitation from the City of Lake Worth, Commission on the Bicentennial of the United States Constitu- tion, to Project Friendship honoring the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution; 143rd Anniversary of the ratification of Florida as a state; and, the 75th Anniversary of the Incorporation of the City of Lake Worth, on March 3, 1988, at 2:00 P.M. at Constitution Walk (19th Avenue North and North Federal Highway). Mayor Stewart announced that Palm Beach Blood Bank, Inc., designated March 28, 1988, as Palm Beach Blood Bank Day and urged the public to consider donating blood. Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser Vice Mayor Blosser had no report. The Vice Mayor noted that she would hope the Town was checking into Fire Paramedic options. Commissioner John J. Basso No report. Commissioner David T. Robinson Commissioner Robinson reported that the Palm Beach County Wake Commit- tee will be meeting on March 4, 1988, at 4:00 P.M. and he planned to Y ~ 1 ~ Town Commission Regular Meeting March 1, 1988 Page 3 of 7 attend that meeting to see what progress was made regarding the speed limit on the Intracoastal Waterway. The Palm Beach County Marine Officials agreed to beef up their patrols in the area to reduce the number of speeders. Commissioner Robinson said perhaps some increased enforcement would help the situation on the Intracoastal. Commissioner Robert F. Scholz No report. REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY Town Attorney Sliney reported that he and Attorney Friedman were busy with the depositions regarding the Boca Hi matter. The depositions will continue and will try to be scheduled at the convenience of the Town. Judge Williams who is ill, tendered his resignation therefore the calendar will be effected as to who will hear the case. The Town Attorney is working on securing expert witnesses. Town Manager Mariano stated that the Town needs to address appropria- tion of funds for these witnesses; a letter has been received regarding . the intent of expert witnesses. Town Manager Mariano said that without having to get into specifics, we need to record the fact that the Town Commission approves the retention of whatever witnesses the Town Attorney needs, within the scope of his letter, up to a maximum of $21,000., at this time. It was the consensus of the Town Commission that expert witnesses are needed to defend our position. Town Manager Mariano noted the funding for expert witnesses would be taken from the legal department's budget with appropriate transfers being made at a future date. MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER BASSOjCOMMISSIONER ROBINSON that we approve the Town Attorney retain expert witnesses for Boca Hi litiga- tion, not to exceed the amount of $21,000. The MOTION carried unani- mously with favorable votes. Mayor Stewart said without objection, the Town will appropriate up to $21,000. for the purpose of expert witnesses. Town Manager Mariano stated a memorandum would be forwarded to the Financial Advisory Board informing them of this expenditure. i ~ , Town Commission March 1, 1988 Page 4 of 7 Regular Meeting Town Attorney Sliney stated that it was because of the time needed for the Boca Hi matter, his opinion letter regarding Villa Mare was late. He had been in touch with Mr. Colman's attorney, Pat Silver and her assistant, in Miami, and would report on this matter at the appropriate time in the meeting. REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER Town Manager Mariano reported on the status of the Town Projects: THM - The concrete block is being laid this week, windows are being installed, the roof will be poured Monday, at the latest. It will be seven days till the roof forms can be pulled during which time the electrical work will be completed. This phase will have to be inspected by Boca Raton. The completion date is the end of the month. Certification has to be sent by CDM to the Health Department prior to the operation of the system. INTERIM WELL - The pump and motor are being installed this week. The contracted completion date is March 13. CDM still needs to certify to the Health Department that all requirements are complete and CDM is to . provide an operating schedule. BOCA MEETING - Ed Wetzel and Jack Lee will meet tomorrow with Joe Hancock and a Boca engineering representative. They will ascertain what specific information Boca requires in order to enter into negotia- tions on the interconnect for water supply. Mr. Wetzel will give a report on this meeting as well as his firm's findings with regard to the long term water report at our March 29, 1988, Workshop Meeting. XERISCAPE - The work is continuing and should be completed by the end of the week. We are receiving compliments from the residents as to the appearance of the landscaping. CONDO MANAGERS MEETINGS - was held on February 16, 1988, with 16 managers attending. We continue to urge water conservation and discuss Xeriscape. At the request of the managers, we will invite representa- tives of moisture sensing devices to aid in the voluntary conservation program. The meetings will be moving to various condos to inspect any new water saving or other interesting changes made. The managers are also getting involved in assisting in the preparation and notification of the meetings (particularly Mr. Smingler of Beach Walk East). COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - The Planning Board will be reviewing the Coastal Management Element and the Infrastructure Elements of the proposed Comprehensive Plan at their Regular Meeting on March 9, 1988. They are • also reviewing the Housing, Recreation, Conservation and Open Space Elements. y ~ i ~ • Town Commission March 1, 1988 Page 5 of 7 Regular Meeting PUBLIC TELEPHONE - The Town Manager reported she received several estimates for installation of a public telephone at the Town Hall complex and requested Chief Cecere comment regarding such installation. Chief Cecere noted that having a phone in the area created many problems with parking and much litter; the area is very crowded particularly on weekends. No action was taken. REPORTS - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES Mayor Stewart noted a vacancy exists on the Community Appearance Board. Also, Louise Johnson's term as a Regular Member of the Community Appearance Board expires this month; however, Mrs. Johnson is eligible to serve another year. A MOTION by COMMISSIONER BASSOJVICE MAYOR BLOSSER to reappoint Louise Johnson as Regular Member of the Community Appearance Board for one year carried unanimously with favorable votes. Mayor Stewart stated there is a vacancy on the Planning Board due to the resignation of Doris R. Rome (a Regular Member of that Board). • VICE MAYOR BLOSSER moved to appoint Robert M. Gregerson, an Alternate Member on that Board, to serve in the capacity of a Regular Member. Mayor Stewart called for a second; as there was none, the Mayor asked for other nominations. None were forthcoming. PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS AND ORDINANCES 1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 29, ENTITLED "WATER SYSTEM", SECTION 29-11 ENTITLED "BILLING DATE5, DELINQUENT BILLS, DISCONNECTION", AND FURTHER, AMENDING CHAPTER 22, ENTITLED "SEWERS", SECTION 22-5 ENTITLED "BILLING PROCEDURE; DELINQUENCY". The Town Manager noted that this proposed ordinance decreased the time for payment of delinquent services. This Proposed ordinance was given first reading and deferred to the March Workshop Meeting. REGULAR BUSINESS Items Left Over 1. Request for site plan approval (Concordia Investments, Inc. - Lot 101 East). At the call of this item, the applicants were not present. Town Commission Regular Meeting March 1, 1988 Page 6 of 7 A MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER ROBINSON/COMMISSIONER SCHOLZ to defer this matter to a Special Meeting being held on March 9, 1988. The MOTION carried. A MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER ROBINSON to recon- sider the item. MOTION was seconded by COMMISSIONER SCHOLZ and duly approved by the Commission. A MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER BASSO/COMMISSIONER ROBINSON to approve the site plan in accordance with Planning Board recommendations and also subject to Mr. Colman's approval to conditions relating to donating certain trees and relating to protection of the pool at Beach Walk East and also subject to the agreement of January 20, 1988, which incorporates an additional number of feet for the wall, to be determined by the Building Official. A roll call resulted with 'AYE' votes cast by Mayor Stewart, Commis- sioners Basso, Robinson and Scholz. Vice Mayor Blosser voted 'NAY'. Due to the nature of dais discussion., a verbatim transcript is attached to and made a part of these Minutes. • Mayor Stewart said, at this time, the ' residents would like to honor our Vice who was appointed Town Commissioner on that capacity until May 4, 1982. Mary Vice Mayor, unopposed, on May 4, 1982, through March 8, 1988. Coven of Highland Beach and its Mayor, Mary Louise G. Blosser, December 26, 1979, and served in Louise G. Blosser was elected and has served in that capacity Mayor Stewart stated Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser has given con- siderable time and effort to the people of Highland Beach and her support has made a difference in our Community. Resolution No. 527 was adopted upon proper MOTION by COMMISSIONER BASSO/COMMISSIONER ROBINSON, at the March 1, 1988, Regular Meeting of the Town Commission. Mayor Betty Jean Stewart presented to framed Resolution to Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser. Consent Agenda Approval of a three year extension of the auditing contract with Coopers and Lybrandt. MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER BASSO/COMMISSIONER SCHOLZ to approve the Consent Agenda. This MOTION carried unanimously with favorable votes. There being no further business to come before the Town Commission at this time, Mayor Stewart, upon proper MOTION, adjourned this Regular Meeting at 3:52 P.M. . . Town Commission Regular Meeting March 1, 1988 Page 7 of 7 APPROVED: 7 C,J MAYO BETTY JEAN STEWART _Term expired. VIfe~E ,A+iAYOR~IARY LOUISE G . BLOSSER . BA5S0 ~-, • A E T: /// ~ ~~ J 1 ~.-~~-"lfC~'~~ DATE : ~ e~ ~~ OMMISSI-bNER iS ID T. ROBINSON COMMIS ER ROBERT F. SCHOLZ