1987.10.05_TC_Minutes_Workshopr
• TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
XERISCAPE WORKSHOP MEETING
Monday, October 5, 1987 _ 9:00 A.M.
The Xeriscape Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission was called to
order by Mayor Betty Jean Stewart at 9:00 A.M. in the Town Commission
Chambers of Town Hall. Also present were Town Commissioners John J.
Basso, David T. Robinson and Robert F. Scholz. Vice Mayor Mary Louise
G. Blosser was absent.
The Community Appearance Board Members present were Chairperson Helene
Harris, Vice Chairman Guy Galizia and Regular Member Frank Savino. Also
present were Town Manager Hugh Williams and Town Clerk/Recording
Secretary Mary Ann Mariano.
Mayor Stewart noted that this meeting had been called for the express
purpose of reviewing the proposed Xeriscape Ordinance with members of
the Community Appearance Board for their in--put.
Mayor Stewart noted that the format of the original ordinance had been
changed to an adopting ordinance with an attached manual which will set
out the actual requirements. In this manner, the manual could also
include additional information, i.e., plant listings, etc., and be in a
better form for distribution to property owners.
It was noted that the purpose of the proposed regulations was to urge
the planting of drought resistant landscaping.
Commissioner Robinson noted his concerns regarding the use of the words
"native" and "exotic" in the text of the manual in that clarification
was needed to define the terms more adequately. Mayor Stewart explained
that in the new format with a plant listing attached to the
requirements, this would alleviate any confusion in plant types.
Commissioner Robinson also noted that on Page 27, there was a require-
ment that no mechanical means be used in the clearing .of lots which he
felt was unreasonable. It was clarified that this requirement only
affected "Natural Plant Communities" which would be developed in
accordance with and subsequent to the adoption of this ordinance.
The proposed Xeriscape requirements were reviewed page by page with the
following revisions made.
On Page 4, the word "Small" will be added to the title of the definition
of "Shade Tree".
On Page 6, Section 5 (B) (b). The last sentence of said paragraph will
• be amended. to read:
"The assessment and evaluation shall be prepared by the Palm
• Town Commission Xeriscape Workshop Meeting
October 5, 1987
Page 2 of 4
Beach Soil and Water Conservation District, or their designee,
or by a forester, ecologist, horticulturist, landscape
architect or by an arborist certified by the National Arborist
Association, at the owner's expense."
On Page 6, Section 5 (c) (1) (b) will be amended to read:
"All developed sites when more than three (3) native trees
are removed from the site within any six month period."
On Page 7, Section 5 (C) (2) (b), the last sentence will be amended to
read:
"The assessment and evaluation shall be prepared by the
Palm Beach County Soil and Conservation District, or their
designee, or by a forester, ecologist, horticulturist,
landscape architect or by an arborist certified by the
National Arborist Association, at the owner's expense."
On Page 8, Section 5 (C) (7), the following sentence will be added after
the first sentence:
"One extension of up to 60 days may be granted by the Town
of Highland Beach for sufficient cause which must be in
writing by the permitee."
On Page 12, Section 7 (A) (2) (b) shall be amended. to read:
"Immediately upon planting, trees shall be a minimum of
fourteen (14) feet in height and shall have a minimum
caliper of three (3) inches."
On Page 14, Section 7 (A) (3) (b), the next to last sentence in this
paragraph shall be amended to read:
"Trees shall be planted in the divider median in amounts
to be determined by the Community Appearance Board."
On Page 14, Section 7 (A) (4) (b), the last sentence shall be amended to
read:
"If so, the lineal strip shall be properly designed to
accommodate trees in an amount to be determined by the
Community Appearance Board."
On Page 15, Section 7 (C) (b) (1), the following requirement will be
added as ( f)
"Any public or non-residential parking areas ---- lid feet."
Town Commission Xeriscape Workshop Meeting
October 5, 1987
Page 3 of 4
On Page 16, Section (C) MINIMUM PLANTING REQUIREMENTS: The first
sentence shall be amended to read:
"One (1) tree shall be planted for each thirty (30) lineal
feet or fraction thereof, or as determined by the Community
Appearance Board, of a perimeter landscape strip separating
a vehicular use area from an abutting right--of-way."
On Page l6, Section (D) (1), the last sentence shall be omitted.
On Page 17, Section (c) LIVING AND NON--LIVING BARRIERS: This section
shall be amended to read:
"If walls, fences, or other non--living barriers are used as
elements of the landscape barrier, shrubs or vines shall be
planted as directed by the Community Appearance Board."
On Page 27, the first sentence on this page shall be amended to read:
"...hours of midnight and 6 A.M., or as designated by the
Town of Highland Beach."
On Page 29, Section 15 ENFORCEMENT: This section shall be amended to
read:
"The enforcement of provisions of this code will be the
responsibility of the Town Manager or his designee. Any
violations of this code will be within the jurisdiction of
the Code Enforcement Board of the Town of Highland Beach."
On Page 30, Section 17 APPEALS: The first sentence of this section
shall be amended to read:
"Any aggrieved party may appeal a decision by the Community
Appearance Board to the Town Commission."
On Page 3~, Section 18 FEES: The second sentence of said section shall
be omitted.
In several places in the ordinance where it refers to the Building De-
partment, the words "Building Department" will be replaced with the
words "Town Manager or his designee".
During discussion in this meeting, Mrs. Harris stated that the Community
Appearance Board needed some firm regulations to fall back on in order
to enforce any Town requirements.
• Another idea expressed was that maybe the Town could exempt owners from
review fees of voluntarily implementing Xeriscape concept plans on their
property for a period of one year. This would only apply to already
developed properties.
•
Town Commission Xeriscape Workshop Meeting
October 5, 1987
Page 4 of 4
Community Appearance Board Chairperson Harris will have the Community
Appearance Board review all of the proposed amendments prior to the Town
Commission Meeting of October 27, 1987. The Community Appearance Board
will move up their meeting by one week (to October 22, 1987) in order to
accomplish this.
There being no further business to come before the Town Commission at
this Workshop Meeting, same adjourned at 11:4~J A.M.
APPROVED : ~~~~rQ~-~-Q~~
Betty Sean Stewart, Mayor
- - - ABSEATT - - -
Mary Louise G._ Blosser, Vice Mayor
~o~n .~ Ba j~eommissioner
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avid Robinson ommissioner
.---" ~,
Robert E. Scholz, Commissioner
T T:
TOWN CLER
DATE: ~~ '7'~~
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