1986.09.23_TC_Minutes_Workshop
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, September 23, 1986 1:30 P.M.
A Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission was called to order by Mayor
Edward J. Sullivan at Town Hall in the Town Commission Chambers. Also
present were Town Commissioners John J. Basso, William A. Grier and
Betty Jean Stewart. Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser was absent.
Also present were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney; Town Manager Hugh D.
Williams; Building Official Bruce Sutherland; Town Clerk Mary Ann
Mariano and various members of the general public.
Rebecca Morse, newly hired Finance Director was introduced to the Town
Commission as well as the general public.
86.1 Public Comments and Requests:
None.
86. 2
Boards and Committees:
It was noted that the Alternate term of Planning Board Member Abraham
Futernick was due to expire in October. This matter will be placed on
the October Regular Meeting Agenda for possible action.
86.3 Proposed Resolutions and Ordinances:
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
PROVIDING FOR REGULATION OF HELICOPTERS WITHIN OR
OVER THE TOWN.
The Town Manager recommended that this matter be deferred until the
return of the Vice Mayor in October, however, it was the consensus of
the Town Commission that this matter be moved along. It was noted that
the matter of adequate liability insurance raised by Commissioner Grier
was still unanswered. The Town Manager was directed to obtain informa-
tion from other helicopter companies as to what standard coverages are
in time for the Regular Meeting on October 7, 1986, at which time
further discussion and possible adoption will be considered.
The next three proposed ordinances which update the Building, Plumbing
and Air Conditioning Codes were moved to the October 7, 1986 Regular
Meeting for reading and adoption.
2. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
AMENDING CHAPTER 7,SECTION 7-1.1 ENTITLED "AMENDMENTS
TO STANDARD BUILDING CODE" TO ADOPT THE 1985 EDITION
OF THE STANDARD BUILDING CODE.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 23, 1986
Page 2 of 7
86.13
3. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 19, ENTITLED "PLUMBING CODE", SECTION
19-1 ENTITLED "STANDARD PLUMBING CODE - ADOPTION", TO
ADOPT THE 1985 EDITION OF THE STANDARD PLUMBING CODE.
4. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER $, ENTITLED "AIR CONDITIONING CODE",
SECTION 3-l.l, ENTITLED "SAME-AMENDMENTS, DELETIONS
AND ADDITIONS" TO ADOPT THE 1985 EDITION OF THE STANDARD
MECHANICAL CODE.
Discussion re Centel Cable Television:
The Financial Adv
September 29, 198
for possible acti
quest involving t
will be deferred
ite proposal. It
square foot basis
isory Board will consider the matter of ground
6 for recommendation to the Town Commission in
on at the October 7, 1986 Regular Meeting. The
he expansion of the cable facility behind Town
until Centel Cable communicates further with a
rent on
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time _ ;._
re- r~_ _
i ~-
Hall ~~ 6
def in= ~ ='-
is anticipated that a base rental based on a per
will be reached.
• 86.18 Discussion re proposed newsrack ordinance:
A proposed newsrack ordinance will be drafted by Attorney Sliney which
will attempt to regulate the aesthetics and location of newsracks and
presented in time for the October 7, 1986 Regular Meeting. This pro-
posed ordinance will include factors regulating the safety and welfare
of locating the newsracks both presently and any future racks, as well
as provide for review by the Planning Board. During discussion,
Attorney Sliney noted that Boca Raton had instituted a "voluntary
compliance" program with the local newspapers to enclose the newsracks
at Boca's expense. Also cited was a Palm Beach regulation of newsracks
in relation to their location near the roadways. The Town Manager re-
iterated his recommendation that nothing be done, feeling that the two
present locations will no longer be feasible in a short time, and that
there would be no other adequate locations for any future racks.
Several Commission members felt that this issue should be addressed as
newsracks do serve a purpose and therefore should be governed by some
regulation. Attorney Sliney noted that he did have First Amendment
Constitutional problems with any severe regulation, but did find that
the Town could regulate the newsracks in terms of the health, safety
and welfare of the Town's residents. The Chief of Police will also be
included in any review process for consideration of safety factors.
86.19 Discussion re Sales Model - Villa Nova:
A memorandum from Building Official Bruce Sutherland dated 9/5/86 was
cited in which it was reported that all safety precautions had been
• Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 23, 1986
Page 3 of 7
complied with in relation to a request for a Sales Model in the Villa
Nova Building. Commissioner Stewart asked whether the present sales
trailer located on the St. Lucy property would remain should the model
be approved. Mr. Philip Colman, Developer of Villa Nova stated that
the trailer would remain and that any prospective purchasers would be
escorted from the trailer to the sales model for safety reasons. No
objections were expressed by the Town Commission to this request and
therefore it will be placed on the October 7, 1986 Regular Meeting ,
Consent Agenda. -- )
_____
86.24! Application for Conceptual Approval - Peter Ince:
_.,,
.~:~,;
Mayor Sullivan stated for the record that the property involved (Lots-~";,
133-137 East) was presently defined under "Zoning in Progress" and `~"
although an Application for Conceptual Review had been received, that
no comments would be made by the Town Commission at this time.
F_ -,,
Attorney Robert Eisen, representing the Atwell's (owners) and Peter %~
Ince (Developer) was present, noting that the proposal was to build 5 ,,
homes on the property in lieu of the 9 units which the density before
"Zoning in Progress" would have allowed. Mr. Eisen also stated that he
would have a problem in not proceeding until "Zoning in Progress" is
completed due to the fact that 2 1/2 million dollars had already been
spent in the purchase of this property.
Attorney Sliney noted that the Planning Board were reviewing this site
at their meeting scheduled for October 22, 1986 which will include the
review of Lots 133-137 both east and west.
An existing Unity of Title which ties the east property to the west
property was cited. Attorney Eisen did not feel that this was relevent
to the development of the property. Attorney Sliney also felt that an
affirmative disclaimer from the east property to the west property
could clear up this matter as far as the eastern property owners were
concerned. The Town Commission still based their concerns upon any
rights of the western property owner as to beach accesses which might
have been conveyed, etc. Clarification as to the rights of the previ-
ously established Camelot on the Ocean Homeowners Association is also
needed. Although the Town Commission generally feels that a lot of the
concerns are involving property rights and may not be in the purview of
the Town's jurisdiction, the question of any liability on the part of
the Town due to the existing Unity of Title needs to be answered.
Attorney Eisen noted that his clients would be willing to sign any
disclaimers which the Town would require, as their main concern was to
commence development. Commissioner Basso also requested that research
be done to assure the clear title to the property in the name of the
new owner. As Mayor Sullivan had noted earlier in the meeting, no
comment nor action was taken on this matter.
i
• Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 23, 1986
Page 4 of 7
86.21 Proposed amendment to Chapter 28 1/2 to include Greening
of AlA trees in Historic Tree designation per request
of Commissioner Stewart:
Commissioner Stewart addressed this issue noting that the Greening of
AlA trees had been paid for in part by donations of the citizens of the
Town and should be protected. Commissioner Grier questioned the juris-
diction over the trees by the Town in that they were planted in the DOT .---
right-of-way. Attorney Sliney noted that the Town did in fact have a `~==,_
presumptive jurisdiction over anything in the right-of-way. A question '~
of identification of the trees was also raised, with Commissioner
Stewart noting that a master list does exist of all the trees planted ~-
by the Greening of AlA Committee. It was the general consensus that
maybe "historical" would not be an appropriate classification and that
a classification could be included uniquely for the Greening trees. (,
Attorney Sliney will draft a proposed ordinance for the protection of
these trees in time for a first reading at the October 7, 1986 Regular
Meeting.
REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION:
Mayor Edward J. Sullivan -
Mayor Sullivan reported on a letter received from Representative Hanson
as well as one from Representative Messersmith concurring in the Town's
position opposing the offshore depositing of any beach quality sand.
Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser -
Absent.
Commissioner John J. Basso -
Commissioner Basso requested that Bruce Sutherland, Building Official,
check into a request made by the Building Inspector regarding erosion
under the bike path between Coronado and Casuarina. Mr. Sutherland
will find out when the necessary work will commence to alleviate this
problem.
Commissioner William A. Grier -
Commissioner Grier requested the status of a proposal to place reflec-
tors in the roads to locate fire hydrants. Mr. Williams noted that
funds had been placed in the 1986/87 budget to cover the expense of
these reflectors, further noting that the Fire/Rescue Department would
probably be handling their installation.
Commissioner Grier noted that the paving work to eliminate "Lake Ficus"
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 23, 1986
Page 5 of 7
in front of the Library needed additional attention. Although this
water retention problem has been alleviated, it still exists. Mr.
Williams will try to determine the cost and feasibility of locating a
"french drain" in the front parking lot to further take care of this
problem and report back to the Town Commission at an early date.
Commissioner Betty Jean Stewart -
Commissioner Stewart requested a report on the status of the Community
Appearance Board's request for a procedure as to performance bonds to
assure compliance with directives to developers. Commissioner Stewart
stated that fees for expenses incurred by the Town, i.e., staff
expenses, attorneys fees, etc., should be built into any procedure.
Attorney Sliney stated that he would draft an "all purpose" basic form
to be used by the CAB for this purpose. Also it was noted that bonds
would not be accepted, only cash, cashier's checks etc. would be
accepted. It was further determined that the amounts would be
determined by the Town Manager, Building Official and members of the
CAB collectively in each case. It was noted that any form devised
• should include information as to what accounts funds would be kept in
and the process of refunding if appropriate.
At the request of Commissioner Stewart, the sales trailer located on
the Beach Walk West property will be checked as to its legal permit,
etc. Commissioner Stewart expressed her concern regarding the
condition of the property. Further, Commissioner Stewart requested t
that the Town Manager contact the Department of Transportation in that
the mowing of AlA had not yet been taken care of for this year. Mr.
Sutherland will check the Beach Walk West and any other sales trailers
in existance to determine the time elements, permit status, etc.
REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY:
The Town Attorney addressed the Town Commission with a request that
they adopt a Resolution concerning public participation in the Compre-
henisve Planning Process similar to the one adopted by the Planning
Board in compliance with State Rule 9J-5-004 of the Comprehensive Plan ~~,
Amendments. At the suggestion of Commissioner Stewart, the Town -~.
Manager will obtain signs for posting on affected properties, as is
done in Boca Raton and other surrounding communities. The Town
Commission felt that the requirement regarding certified mail could be
eliminated and first class postage paid envelopes utilized. Further,
the affected areas will be noted in The Bulletin for additional public-
ity. The Town Attorney will revise the Resolution and submit it to the
Town Commission for consideration in time for the October 7, 1986
Regular Meeting.
Commissioner Stewart left the meeting temporarily at this point.
• Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 23, 1986
Page 6 of 7
Attorney Sliney noted that he had written a letter to Bruce Sutherland,
Building Official regarding "Zoning in Progress" instructing that no
plans were to be accepted on the affected properties. It was agreed by ~
the Town Commission that Attorney Sliney write a supplemental letter
which includes that conceptual review applications will also not be
accepted on properties classified under "Zoning in Progress".
A propose Agreement to be executed by Paul Hoffman and Broadview
Savings and Loan Association stating that any approved permits issued
for the dredging of the subject property will not be construed as J;
approval for any further work or will be used as a defense in any ~'
future litigation, will be re-drafted and submitted to the Town `'
Commission for their consideration. Further, the specific plans citing ~~''
Phase I of the Darby and Way plans and scope of work will be specifi-
cally cited in the proposed Agreement to clarify any approvals given as
was requested by Commissioner Stewart prior to her temporarily leaving
the meeting.
A five minute recess was then taken.
REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER:
Police policy matters were then discussed. Chief Cecere was present.
The pros and cons of purchasing police vehicles locally rather than
from State Purchasing as recommended by the Town Manager were discussed
with no consensus being reached. Additional information will be obtain-
ed with regard to the appropriate rotation and purchase of police
vehicles after which the Town Commission will again discuss the
matter.
Discussion ensued regarding the proposal by the Town Manager to elimi-
nate the position of Lieutenant in the Police Department. There was a
general consensus among the Town Commission that this position remain
in the police department. Further discussion took place regarding the
Town Manager's request for the establishment of a written criteria ~ _
being established for the promotion of police personnel as well as the ~"
placement of command personnel on different shifts. Chief Cecere noted
that he had submitted a memorandum dated September 16, 1986 in which he
noted the basis for promotion, and stated that he had scheduled command(~~""'
personnel on shifts in which he felt additional coverage was needed. No
directives were issued on these matters.
A request for the consideration
police department was discussed
• September 17, 1986 being cited.
sideration of a 5$ increase for
as "Investigator" on the reques
issued on this matter.
of a designated "Investigator" for the
with the Town Manager's memorandum of
The Town Manager was recommending con-
Police Officer Corsino to be designated
t of Chief Cecere. No directives were
At the recommendation of the Town Manager, with concurrence by the Town
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
• September 23, 1986
Page 7 of 7
Commission, the Town Manager will draft a Resolution which will insti-
tute a 10g late charge on unpaid utility bills 2fd days past due. This
Resolution will be presented for consideration at the October 7, 1986
Regular Meeting.
At the request of the Town Manager, authorization for the preparation
and advertising of bids for the purchase of a gas tank and a telephone
system will be placed on the Consent Agenda for October 7, 1986 Regular
Meeting.
In discussing the irrigation system in the entranceway to Bel Lido, the
Town Attorney wad directed to determine whether or not the streets and
rights-of-way in Bel Lido have been dedicated to the public in order to
determine any liability the Town might have for occurrences in such
streets. During this discussion, Commissioner Stewart returned to the
Meeting.
The Town Manager reported that a full connection did in fact exist be-
tween the Town of Highland Beach and the City of Delray Beach, which
connection had been tested and totally flushed.
The Town Manager reported on several upcoming County meetings which he
plans to attend, including a meeting of the Palm Beach County Municipal
League. It was noted that Boca Raton was discontinuing its membership
in the Municipal League due to the substantial increase in dues. The
Town Manager will obtain budget information from the League in order
for the Town to determine the feasibility of remaining a member.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
APPROVED:
WARD All SULLIVAN
ATTEST:
~t
Date ~~-~-~~
•
VICE MAYOR MARY LOUISE G. BLOSSER
C ISSI R JOHN J. B
/L'//
COMMISSIONER WIL AM GRIER
COMMI IONER BETTY JEAN STEWART