1985.04.30_TC_Minutes_Workshop~•
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, A ril 30, 1985 1:30 P.M.
The Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission was called to order by
Mayor Edward J. Sullivan at 1:30 p.m. in the Town Commission Chambers.
Also present were 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; Town Clerk Mary Ann Whaley and members of the general public.
85.1 Public Comments and Requests:
Mr. Terry Brooks of 2575 South Ocean Boulevard (Townhouses of Highland
Beach) addressed the Town Commission recommending the consideration of
a new ordinance which would regulate deliveries i.e. newspapers within
the Town between the hours of 10:00 or 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Mr.
Brooks will submit this recommendation in writing, at which time the
Town Commission will further consider same.
Mr. Michael Dent of Bel Lido addressed the Town Commission stating that
the proposed purchase of Mr. Milani's property by the County for a park
had been disapproved by the County Commission due to the excessive
. cost. Also, Mr. Dent spoke in opposition to the Town considering
changing the water system to a recommended chloride residual system,
which type system is now operated by both Boca Raton and Delray Beach,
as well as his concern over the staffing at the Water Treatment Plant
since the resignation of Mr. Moss, former Utilities Director.
Mr. Jose Echeverria addressed the Town Commission concerned about a
meeting which occurred on April 9, 1985, between the Town Manager and
the Town's engineers (CDM), as well as South Florida Water Management
District, at which meeting members of the Town Commission were present
with no notice posted. The Town Manager reported that this was his
meeting and the Town Commission was merely invited to attend with no
action being taken.
Mr. Robert Moresi, Mr. Larry Adams and Mr. Jay Ameno representing Camp
Dresser & McKee, the Town's engineers were present, with Mr. Morosi
addressing the Town Commission and submitting information regarding the
construction of a monitoring well as well as elaboration on a proposed
study. of the Town's existing facilities and need for expansion of water
resources. Mr. Ameno noted that in regard to the study of resources
need in the future, a 20 year study would be considered. The Town
Commission noted that any contracts for the proposed work be separate
from the Town's existing engineering contract with CDM. Mr. Morosi also
advised that with regard to the construction of a monitoring well, this
construction could be handled totally by the engineers, with CDM
conducting the bidding and installation, or by the Town bidding the
t,
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
April 30, 1985
Page 2 of 8
project. The Town Attorney will render an opinion on this subject at
the May 7, 1985 Regular Meeting, at which time Resolutions will also be
drawn authorizing the entering into of the appropriate contracts with
the engineers for these two tasks.
85.2 Boards and Committees:
Board of Adjustment - 1 Regular Member vacancy due to the death of
Stephen C. Doig. A recommendation was received from this
Board to appoint Mr. Charles Arbetman, an Alternate Member to
this vacancy. Commissioner Grier indicated that he would not
be at the May Regular Meeting, however, wanted to express his
support of Mr. Arbetman's appointment. This matter will be
placed on the Regular Meeting Agenda for May 7, 1985 for
possible action.
Community Appearance Board - Alternate #1 Vacancy due to the ex-
piration of term of Helene Harris who was originally appoint-
ed to this Board in May of 1984. The possible re-appointment
of Mrs. Harris will be considered at the May 7, 1985 Regular
Meeting.
Planning BoardjLocal Planning Agency - Alternate #2 vacancy due to
the expiration of term of Amelie Leng who was originally
appointed to this Board in May of 1984. The possible re-
appointment of Mrs. Leng will be considered at the May 7,
1985 Regular Meeting.
Palm Beach County Beaches and Shores Council - It was noted that
this Council would function as a Palm Beach County forum to
address problems faced by beachfront communities. Mayor
Sullivan recommended the appointment of Commissioner Stewart
to this Council, which appointment will be addressed at the
May 7, 1985 Regular Meeting, along with a proposed Resolution
entering into an Interlocal Agreement to join this Council.
85.3 Proposed Ordinances and Resolutions:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING CHAPTER 30 ENTITLED "ZONING" SECTION 4.4(e){8)
SECTION 4. 5 (e) (8) , AND SECTION 4.6 (e) (8) ALL ENTITLED
"HIGH-RISE SETBACKS" FOR THE PURPOSES OF CLARIFICATION
OF HIGH-RISE SETBACK REQUIREMENTS.
As noted later in the meeting by the Building Official, this proposed
Ordinance, which received first reading at the April 2, 1985 Regular
Meeting was merely for clarification purposes. This proposed Ordinance
will be placed on the May 7, 1985 Regular Meeting Agenda for possible
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
April 30, 1985
Page 3 of 8
adoption.
It was noted at this time, that although a presentation by Ms. Jean
Ellis regarding turtles was on the Agenda, that Ms. Ellis had asked
that this item be removed from the Agenda. Commissioner Stewart noted
that she had talked to Ms. Ellis and transmitted her concern regarding
the beach cleaning equipment on the beach disturbing the turtle nests.
The Town Manager will request that either the beach cleaning firms use
smaller equipment or find alternate accesses to the beach in order to
avoid traversing such long distances along the private sections of
beachfront properties.
85.16 Presentation by Teron International re Development of the
Royal Highlands Project:
At the request of Stephen Moss, Attorney for Teron International, this
matter was withdrawn from the Agenda.
85.17 Presentation by Brian Taub re Hidden Harbor Development:
Mr. Brian Taub and Ms. Randy Shatz, representing Sentinel Communities,
as well as Mr. Murray Steinfeld, prospective purchaser of the project
were present. Mr. Taub advised the Town Commission that the project
was totally owned by Sentinel Communities, Broadview Savings and Loan
and Zaremba Communities as Joint Venture Partners, and that Mr. Hoffman
had no interest in these particular tracts. Mr. Steinfeld advised the
Commission that should he purchase the property, he intended to
construct rental apartments which would offer housekeeping, meal,
transportation and other services to the elderly. Attorney Sliney
indicated that he felt that these services would not be allowed in any
of the zoning classifications in Highland Beach. The expiration of
time of construction with regard to the existing RPUD was also a point
of contention with Mr. Taub citing a letter received from Mayor Horton
putting the completion deadline at 1990. However, it was the opinion
of the Town Attorney that no amendment to the existing RPUD had ever
been adopted by the Town Commission and therefore the construction must
be completed by July 1, 1985 in conformance with Ordinance 282, creat-
ing the RPUD. Responding to Mr. Taub's inquiry, Mr. Sliney advised
that this would relate to the east side property as well, and as of
July 1, 1985, all property would revert to present zoning requirements.
85.18 Discussion regarding proposed ordinance regarding
prohibition of fund raising events which would attract
non-residents, etc. (requested by Commissioner Stewart):
It was the general consensus that existing code sections might be ap-
plicable to these situations, but such sections might be expanded. As
Commissioner Stewart submitted the original request for this matter to
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Town Commission Workshop Meeting
April 30, 1985
Page 4 of 8
be studied, she will research the matter further with a view toward the
expansion of existing code sections.
85.19 Discussion re recommendation of Board of Adjustment to
allow encroachment of pool screen enclosures:
It was the general consensus of the Town Commission to disapprove of
this recommendation inasmuch as the allowance of such screen enclosures
would severely affect the "open space" in Town. It was noted that this
consideration had not been addressed by the Board of Adjustment prior
to their making such a recommendation.
85.20 Discussion re proposed revision to contract between the
Town and the Palm Beach County Eire/Rescue Dept.:
It was noted that the requested revision adjusted the time frame of
payment beyond the time of appeal of assessments in order to more
accurately reflect the amounts due from the various municipalities
involved in the Palm Beach County Fire/Rescue Department. It was the
consensus of the Town Commission to approve this revision, which item
will be included on the Consent Agenda of the May 7, 1985 Regular
Meeting.
85.21 Discussion re proposed Ordinance from the South Florida
Water Management District relating to emergency
procedures:
Inasmuch as the Town now has some conservation regulations on the
books, and the fact that any restrictions promulgated by the SFWMD
would supersede all municipal codes, it was the consensus of the Town
Commission that this proposed Ordinance not be adopted. It was further
the opinion of the Commission that the enforcement of regulations
imposed by the SFWMD should be carried out by the SFWMD.
85.22 Discussion re proposed House Bill 287 relating to
growth management (requested by Commissioner Stewart):
It was the consensus of the Town Commission that this proposed Bill
should be followed closely. It was further noted that the Town's
Legislative and Senate representatives had been advised of the Town's
opposition to this legislation.
85.23 Discussion regarding administrative policies, procedures
and recommendations (requested by Vice Mayor Blosser):
This matter was deferred until the Town Manager's Report.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
Page 5 of 8
REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION:
Mayor Edward J. Sullivan -
Mayor Sullivan reported on a Group Homes Bill which was passed by the
Legislature and submitted to the Senate this week which would adversely
affect municipalities by forcing group home zoning classifications.
A report on the status of the artificial seaweed project was given
indicating that improvement on the beaches to the north and south of
the project had been detected.
The Mayor advised of a meeting regarding Wastewater being held in
Orlando on May 16, 1985. The Mayor further read a letter from County
Commissioner Dorothy Wilkin advising of a meeting on May 6, 1985 to
determine the feasibility of creating a Palm Beach County Council of
Governments.
Mayor Sullivan noted a letter from Mr. Slagle opposing the Town's
involvement in ocean rescue, and further noted that Mr. Evans of
Boynton Beach was available to discuss ocean rescue with any group or
organization desiring such a speaker, with information being available
at the police department.
Mayor Sullivan also read the resignation of Mr. William Wernecke from
the Planning Board.
Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser -
Vice Mayor Blosser was absent.
Commissioner John J. Basso -
Commissioner Basso reported that the Final Report had been received
from Greeley & Hansen on the dispute of sewer charges between Highland
Beach and Delray Beach, noting that said report should be accepted at
the next meeting, after comments had been received on the report from
the Town Attorney. The Town Manager advised the Town Commission that
funds were available to pay the entire due amount, should the Town
Commission desire to do so, and also noted that the current surcharge
would need to be continued in order to pay the negotiated amount. It
was further noted that in the Stipulation, there was a provision for
the payment within 10 days of receipt of the Final Report of $150,000,
however, it was not clear how that time frame related to the actual
acceptance by Delray Beach as well as Highland Beach of the Final
Report. It was the consensus that the Town Manager would immediately
send a letter to the City Manager at Delray Beach, indicating that the
Town was prepared to pay the agreed to amount, pending Delray Beach's
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Town Commission Workshop Meeting
April 3~, 1985
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interpretation of the language of the Stipulation. The payment of the
remainder of the funds due will be further studied when total amounts
are submitted including the required interest.
Commissioner William A. Grier -
Commissioner Grier indicated that he
findings concerning the taste, color
an appropriate time to coincide with
regarding same.
Commissioner Grier indicated concern
access to the Town's copying machine
to feasibility.
wauld have a report on his
and quality of the Town's water at
the Town engineers recommendations
regarding allowing the public
which matter will be examined as
Commissioner Grier indicated that he would have a memorandum
forthcoming to the Town Commission regarding his views on ocean rescue
and safety.
Commissioner Betty Jean Stewart -
Commissioner Stewart expressed her concern regarding the Town Manager's
departure to a statewide conference without prior approval of the Town
Commission.
Commissioner Stewart requested a written report from the Finance
Department stipulating where the funding was coming from for the
proposed tasks being undertaken by CDM involving the construction of
the monitoring well, as well as the study of existing wellfields and
further needs.
Commissioner Stewart requested information from the Town Attorney
regarding the proposed uses as expressed by Mr. Steinfeld on the Hidden
Harbor project and if they could be construed as business uses.
REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY:
Attorney Sliney noted that a misunderstanding had reached several
residents in Town regarding the Milani matter and that clarification
needed to be given that Mr. Milani had not been given any extension of
time on his project.
Attorney Sliney indicated that Judge Lupo had the Boca Hi matter under
advisement and would render a decision on the case at an early date.
Attorney Sliney further reported on adopted legislation in favor of
municipalities involving anti-trust lawsuits and liability of
municipalities with regard to building inspections.
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Town Commission Workshop Meeting
April 30, 1985
Page 7 of 8
REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER:
Mr. Williams reported that with regard to the Bel Air Drive bid open-
ing, only one bid was received. It was the recommendation of the Town
Manager, as well as the Town Engineer, that one bid was not adequate
upon which to base an award, and therefore the bid was returned
unopened. It was noted that the Engineers had contacted other firms and
that the bids would again be opened on May 23, 1985, with at least
three bids expected.
The Town Manager reported that he had researched the matter of
installation of a chain link fence around the newly landscaped property
at the Water Treatment Plant and had determined the cost to be approx-
imately $5,500. Further, this matter would have to be submitted to the
Boca Raton Community Appearance Board with little chance of approval.
It was the recommendation of the Town Manager that inasmuch as this
fence would not be protecting any structure, that no fence be installed
at this site. It was noted that the active part of the Water Treatment
Plant site was already fenced.
Mr. Williams reported that the six month financial statements had been
submitted and that monthly reports would be forthcoming at an early
date. The Town Manager also stated that the Town was running on target
with receipts and expenditures for the budget year.
It was reported by Mr. Williams that County Sanitation had submitted
their intent, in writing, to exercise their option to renew their
contract for an additional five years until 1990. It was noted that
there were certain provisions in the contract which were in the process
of negotiation regarding charges and requirements which needed
addressing. Mr. Williams will meet with Mr. Gaudette of County
Sanitation and will report back to the Town Commission within the next
thirty days.
The Town Manager then submitted his report entitled "Observations,
Recommendations and Thoughts", to the Town Commission and summarized
the comments therein. Said report is attached to these Minutes and
made a part hereof.
The Town Manager then noted that in regard to Commissioner Stewart's
concern regarding his departure for a statewide conference, he had
misunderstood the terms of his employment agreement and asked at this
time for approval to attend the Florida City/County Managers Conference
in Palm Coast. It was the consensus of the Town Commission to allow
Mr. Williams to attend. General concern was expressed over the fact
that the Town Commission was not made aware of when employees were not
going to be at work reiterating their concern over two employees from
any one department being gone at the same time.
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
April 30, 1985
Page 8 of 8
Commissioner Stewart recommended that the Financial Advisory Board
review the proposed recommendations from Camp Dresser and McKee, the
Town Engineers with regard to the expansion of facilities at the Water
Treatment Plant.
There being no further business to come before the Town mission at
this Workshop Meeting, it was adjourne at :45 p.m. /J/~.
APPROVED:
Sull`iyy}~n, Mayor
ABSENT C
ou~s~G. Blosser,Vice Mayor
~../ h J.!nB~asso, Commis' Toner
a Vy~'~ Q ",
rr +~./t..C..~ t
William A. Grier, C mmissioner
• D~~~ a_
Be~~Jean Stewart, Commissioner
ATTEST:
N C ER
DATE: ~ ~~ d"