1986.06.24_TC_Minutes_Workshop•
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesda , June 24, 1986 1:30 P.M.
The Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission was called to order by
Mayor Edward J. Sullivan in the Town Commission Chambers of Town Hall.
Also present were Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser and Commissioners
John J. Basso and William A. Grier. Commissioner Betty Jean Stewart
was absent.
Also present were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, Town Manager Hugh D.
Williams, Town Clerk Mary Ann Mariano and the general public.
86.1 Public Comments and Requests:
Mrs. Anna Harbin, President of the Bel Lido Homeowners Association
addressed the Town Commission, advising of a lawsuit brought against
that association by the Masciarella family due to the trimming of
hedges on the Masciarella property. Mrs. Harbin contended that even
• th ugh the Town was not named as a defendant in the suit, that the
T~n had lead the Bel Lido Homeowners Association to believe that the
subject property was public right-of-way inasmuch as it was being
maintained with funding subsidized by the Town. Mrs. Harbin asked for
the Town's support in this matter. Mrs. Harbin further asked that the
Town provide her with a plat of the area showing what in fact consti-
tuted the public right-of-way. Attorney Sliney noted that he had been
supplied with a copy of the lawsuit and would review same, however,
felt that it was premature to determine the Town's involvement since
the Town was not named in the lawsuit.
Mrs. Doris Rome addressed the Town Commission regarding the upcoming
matter dealing with the possible amendment to the Code dealing with
the use of helicopters in Town for the repair and/or replacement of
rooftop utilities. Mrs. Rome indicated that Ambassadors East had
utilized such service and that the Town should provide whatever
criteria was necessary to allow such service. Responding to inquiry
of Commissioner Grier, Mrs. Rome felt sure that the Ambassadors East
Condominium Association had required proof of liability insurance on
the part of the helicopter service.
Mr. Michael Dent submitted a memorandum citing fire service costs to '.
the Town Commission inasmuch as a presentation was being made by
Wackenhut for an alternate source of protection. Mr. Dent assured the ~5,.~
Town Commission that the residents of Highland Beach did not mind 6,,,~,
paying for quality service, which he feels is being provided by the ~'
Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue Department.
Mr. Dent also made a statement urging the Town Commission to reverse
its decision on the recent proposal submitted by Concordia Properties,
Inc. (Philip Colman) on Lots 101 E/W.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
June 24, 1986
Page 2 of 7
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86.2 Boards and Committees:
It was noted that on the Planning Board, the term of Chris Bartlett
(Alternate #1) wad due to expire 6/86, and the term of Doris Rome
(Regular Member) was due to expire 7/86. Mrs. Rome was present and
expressed her desire to continue. serving, as well as made a statement
that Mr. Bartlett had been an asset to the Board and should be consid-
ered for re-appointment.
86.3 Proposed Ordinances and Resolutions:
None .
86.16 Presentation by Representatives of Wackenhut re ~~
Fire Services
~j
Present, representing Wackenhut were George Zoley, Vice-President of
local governmental services; Tom Heckman, Fire Services Expert (former
Fire Chief for Ft. Wayne, Indiana); John Fontana (ran ambulance ser-
vice in Ann Arbor, Michigan); and Kevin Enzer, local manager of
Wackenhut in Boca Raton and West Palm Beach.
Mr. Williams stated that due to the escalating costs of fire service
• presently provided by the Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue Department, it
was inherent on the Town Commission to review alternative methods, and
therefore, invited Wackenhut to make this presentation.
Mr. Zoley submitted a looseleaf binder to the Mayor and each of the
Commissioners containing Wackenhut's proposal to the Town of Highland
Beach. Mr. Zoley summarized the information in the proposal, noting
that Wackenhut proposed to have a Captain, paramedic and two fire-
fighters on duty at all times, with the same response time now
experienced by the Town. In addition, a Chief and all local Wackenhut
personnel would also be responding to any fire call in Town. This
proposal would call for the Town to negotiate any mutual aid contracts
with adjacent communities in case of severe emergencies.
Mr. Zoley noted that their proposal would include a Fire Safety
Inspection Program for fire prevention. The provision of equipment
would either be 1) provided by Wackenhut and paid in installments by
the Town until paid for at which time the Town would gain title, or
2) purchased outright by the Town for use by Wackenhut.
Mr. Zoley stated that based on the current percentages of escalation
of costs, Wackenhut would save the Town $232, P1~l0 the first year of
operation, and would save the Town the amount of $4,000,00P1 over the
course of a five year contract. It was stated that the five year
contract with Wackenhut would contain a guaranteed 5~ per year
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. Town Commission Workshop Meeting
June 24, 1986
Page 3 of 7
increase in costs.
Mr. Zoley stated that the proposal included a six vehicle stand alone
department. When questioned by the Town Commission as to the need for
six vehicles, Mr. Zoley stated that both a fire truck and ambulance
would need back-up units, which would be 4, and that the Chief and
Inspection Program would need a vehicle and a 6th vehicle for beach
rescue. Mr. Zoley further stated that this was only a conceptual
proposal and the final numbers, in terms of vehicles, would be deter-
mined by the Town Commission. Questions were raised by the Town
Commission regarding the proposed housing of the vehicles, etc.
Responding to inquiry by the Mayor, Mr. Zoley noted that the proposed
operation of the fire service would provide personnel with a 24 hour
on - 48 hour off shift, amounting to 56 hours per week over a three
week cycle, and the starting salary for firefighters would be approx-
imately $24,000 per year.
Also, as a part of the proposal, Wackenhut would indemnify the Town
against any lawsuits arising from their operation of the fire service.
• Mr. Zoley then gave a brief history of Wackenhut, noting that they
employed over 22,000 people worldwide, the majority of which were in
security rather than fire service.
Mr. Zoley cited implementing fire service at both the Kennedy and
Johnson Space Centers and Hall County Georgia, where they continue to
operate a 91 man fire service. Mr. Zoley noted that they do not have
any present fire service contracts in the State of Florida.
With regard to equipment, Mr. Zoley noted that Wackenhut would provide
insurance, however the Town would be responsible for any repairs in
excess of $250 not covered by the insurance.
Highland Beach would also be responsible for providing dispatch
service. Mr. Williams noted that the Town could possibly work the
dispatch through the Boca Raton communications service along with the
police service.
Mr. Zoley noted that the start up time needed by Wackenhut should the
Town determine to use their services would be 6 - 8 months.
Mayor Sullivan thanked the representatives for their presentation.
86.6 Discussion re possible amendment to Section 18-3 (Aircraft):
• Attorney Sliney had submitted a draft ordinance for discussion pur-
poses setting out criteria for allowing helicopters to operate within
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
June 24, 1986
• Page 4 of 7
the Town of Highland Beach for the repair and/or replacement of roof
top utilities on high-rise buildings. It was noted that the first
sentence of the draft was too general in nature and should be amended
to limit the permitting of aircraft to those who were to do specific
work within Highland Beach. Attorney Sliney expressed concern as to
criteria involving weather and wind conditions, etc. inasmuch as he
did not know who would be qualified to make such determination at the
time of permitting. Vice Mayor Blosser noted that the police should
be involved for purpose of traffic regulation, etc. The matter of
actual landings on roofs was brought up and the Town Commission felt
that the actual landing of helicopters on the roof could be prohibited
in the ordinance. The matter of liability insurance on the part of
the service companies was discussed, with Commissioner Grier suggest-
ing that Attorney Sliney contact such helicopter services to find out
just what coverage they do carry. These suggestions will be incorpor-
ated into the draft, and Attorney Sliney will gather additional
information for the July Workshop Meeting.
86.13 Discussion re Centel Cable:
Mr. Williams noted that there were no further reports to be given at
this time and requested that this item be deferred until the July
• Workshop Meeting.
86.15 Discussion re Milani Property Proposal:
Neither Mrs. Milani nor Dr. Orman were ~`~
present at this time. Dr.
Orman did arrive at this meeting later and stated that there was no
further comments to be given except those as made at the Town
Commission's June 3, 1986 Regular Meeting.
REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION:
Mayor Edward J. Sullivan -
Mayor Sullivan announced the following meetings:
South County Governmental Committee to meet 7/9/86
Charter Review Committee to meet 6/25/86
County Growth Planning Committee to meet 7/1/86
Vice Mayor Mary Louse G. Blosser -
Vice Mayor Blosser reported an incident in which both elevators in one
of the Seagate buildings were inoperable, causing a hardship to a
handicapped resident. Vice Mayor Blosser recommended that the Town
publicize the fact to residents to use 911 in cases of emergency. The
Vice Mayor also recommended that the condominiums list emergency
•
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
June 24, 1986
Page 5 of 7
service numbers for elevator repair, etc., with the fire department.
Vice Mayor Blosser recommended that the Town determine a way to ,l
possibly barricade any barrier island that might be constructed with
regard to the Hoffman project, should the Town approve the issuance of 'y
said permit. The Vice Mayor noted that such islands might provide a -~-Zz
haven for drug-trafficing along the Intracoastal Waterway.
Commissioner John J. Basso - No report.
Commissioner William A. Grier -
Commissioner Grier noted that there was to be discussion today regard-
ing water quality according to the May 21, 1986 Minutes. Mr. Williams
stated that this matter would be covered under his report.
A letter from Chief Frye regarding the absence of paramedic vehicles
was cited, with Mr. Williams explaining that he had been in contact
with the Batallion Chief who assured that the vehicles in Highland
Beach had the same capabilities as the paramedic vehicles.
With regard to the recent planting of trees by the Greening of AlA ~~~
Committee, Commissioner Grier noted that two had been planted in front ~^-
of Ocean Terrace, one which affected the visibility of the condo sign, `;?
and the other affecting traffic visibilty at the exit driveway. Mr. ~~~
Williams will check on this and have the trees removed, as well as ~`f
check on the other trees planted by the Greening of AlA Committee. ~~~
Commissioner Betty Jean Stewart - Absent.
A five minute recess was taken at this point in the meeting.
REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY:
The Town Attorney reported that he had been in contact with Boca Raton
regarding their newspaper racks. It was noted that Boca Raton had
considered an ordinance, but found it more feasible to go to a
volunteer improvement system. Attorney Sliney stated that Boca Raton
was having good cooperation with the newspapers in the aesthetic
appearance of the racks. Constitutionally, Attorney Sliney did not
feel that the Town could prohibit the racks, however, he felt that the
Town could regulate the location and aesthetic aspects of the racks.
Several Commissioners felt that the development of the remaining
vacant lots might alleviate the problem. It was also stated that some
of the condominiums had provided racks within their garage for their
residents. Elaine Ellis, reporter for the Sun Sentinel was in atten-
dance and offered to give the name of the contact person regarding
this issue to the Town Manager, who will get information and report
Town Commission
June 24, 1986
• Page 6 of 7
Workshop Meeting
back to the Town Commission at the July Workshop Meeting.
Attorney Sliney reported that his office
Jensen regarding the opinion on separate
property, which matter was scheduled for
1986 Regular Meeting.
~~ .
was in contact with Gee and `~~,,
fill permits for the Hoffman ~~~
discussion at the July 1, ~t~
With regard to the Delray Sewer Issue, it was noted that the Delray
Finance Director, Mr. Huddleston, was still on vacation and that a
meeting was to be scheduled upon his return. Mr. Williams noted that
the interest rate on the funds had been frozen perk ng the upcoming
meeting.
REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER:
~~
Jack Lee, Utilities Director, reported that DER had called and advised
that the Highland Beach Water Plant was being cited as the most `~+°
improved plant in the area in appearance and operation for 1985. A YJ
letter to this effect will follow. Congratulations were extended by
the Town Commission to the plant employees.
• Regarding the Williams/Lee report on the transition of the water plant
to an ammonia based system, the Town Manager reported that he and Mr.
Lee had visted several plants to determine the best method for accom-
plishing the transition. Mr. Williams requested that a special work-
shop meeting be set up upon Commissioner Stewart's return to discuss
the options and determine the best course of action, as well as
discuss the report issued by CDM regarding the expansion of the
wellfield for the provision of additional water. Mayor Sullivan and
the Town Commission noted their concern over the prolonging of this
matter as urged action as soon as possible. Mr. Williams noted that
one determination which would have to be made would be the exact
location desirable for the addition of the ammonia to the system.
Mr. Lee stated that he had been in contact with Mr. DeVillion of the
DER, who indicated that the Town would have to file an application
and report through an engineer to receive any approval for the
transition. It was noted that CDM had originally quoted the price of
$18,000 for a report concerning options for the reduction of THM's in
the Town's water. Mr. Williams stated that inasmuch as this report
would reduce the scope of services substantially, that the cost of the
report and application should be less than the originally quoted
$18,000.
The Town Commission requested that authorization for this report and
application by Camp Dresser & McKee be placed on the Consent Agenda
for the July 1, 1986 Regular Meeting.
• With regard to the upcoming Florida League of Cities Meeting to be
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
June 24, 1986
Page 7 of 7
held in Orlando in September, no objection was expressed to authoriz-
ing Mr. Williams to act as the Town's voting delegate.
A Resolution opposing charges by the county for road patrol (police)
which in effect would be dual taxation, will be revised from the
Greenacres City Resolution and submitted for consideration at the July
1, 1986 Regular Meeting.
Bids for the repair of the wingwalls of the Bel Lido Bridge will be
accepted until July 15, 1986. This matter will be addressed at the
July Workshop Meeting.
The Town Manager will contact both oca Raton and Delray Beach with a
view toward cooperative efforts to reduce speeding on the Intracoastal
Waterway.
The Town Manager reported that documentation with regard to the sea- ,tea
wall and beach renourishment at the Royal Highlands site has been
submitted in compliance with the recent Sett7gnent Stipulation between
the Town and Teron International, Inc. ~•°~ ~
_"
Mr. Williams noted that Camp Dresser & McKee were in the process of ~
• issuing a report regarding any potential danger to the Town's Intra-
coastal water main should the Town approval the fill permit for the ~''
Hoffman property, which matter will be addressed at the July 1, 1986 \
Regular Meeting.
This meeting was duly adjourned at
APPROVED:
(~c~n,~PCi..G~,a.,~~i .~ey,
Mar ouise Blosser, Vice Mayor
J n asso, C issioner
l ))• ~ .
'1~~ .~. r/ ~Lf~t\r
William A. Grier, Commissioner
Betty Jean Stewart, Commissioner
TTEST:
• TO N CL R
DATE: ~- .~