1985.08.06_TC_Minutes_RegularTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
• Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, August 6, 1985 1: 3P! P.M.
The Regular Meeting of the Town Commission was called to order by Mayor
Edward J. Sullivan at 1:3f6 p.m. in the Town Commission Chambers. Also
present were Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser, and Commissioners Betty
Jean Stewart and John J. Basso. Commissioner William A. Grier was
absent.
Also present were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney; Town Manager Hugh D.
Williams; Town Clerk Mary Ann Mariano: citizens and the general
public.
After the Roll Call, Mayor Sullivan welcomed the residents to the
meeting and the Pledge of Allegiance was given.
Approval of Minutes:
June 25, 1985 - Workshop Meeting
July 2, 1985 - Regular Meeting
July 17,1985 - Workshop Meeting re Budget
The above Minutes were submitted for approval. Vice Mayor Blosser
noted that she had several corrections which were merely typographical
and clarifications, however noted no reason to delay the approval of
same. MOTION by COMMISSIONER BASSO/COMMISSIONER STEWART was made to
approve the Minutes, which MOTION carried unanimously.
Public Comments and Requests:
Mr. Michael Dent addressed the Town Commission stating his opposition
to the County Commission's proposed plan to acquire property in
Highland Beach for use as public parks. Mr. Dent noted that Mr.
Custage, President of the Highland Beach Civic League was organizing a
public meeting, and suggested that the Town Commission consider the
holding of a public hearing to gain citizen input into the County's
proposal.
REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION:
Mavor Edward J. Sullivan:
A discussion regarding the County Commission's proposed acquisition of
property within Highland Beach for public parks was had. Attorney
Sliney noted his written opinion, dated August 1, 1985 and attached to
these Minutes, which stated that the County would have to apply to the
Town for a rezoning request or Special Exception inasmuch as the Town
• of Highland Beach has no property zoned for park purposes. It was the
consensus of the Town Commission that the County might not be aware of
the peculiarities of the zoning within Highland Beach and MOTION was
Town Commission Regular Meeting
August 6, 1985
Page 2 of 9
made by COMMISSIONER BASSO/COMMISSIONER STEWART that the Town Attorney
write to the County, stating the Town's position on this matter. This
MOTION carried unanimously.
The Mayor stated that Mr. Tony Allerton was seeking people to head a
Community Chest Drive in Town and that anyone interested should contact
Town Hall for further information.
Mayor Sullivan reported on the State Ethics Commission's intention to
gather information about the advisory boards in Town to attempt to cut
down on those board members now required to file Financial Disclosure
Forms.
An informational questionaire received from the Florida League of
Cities is in the process of being answered.
The Mayor reported that an increase in dumping fees by the County with
regard to the garbage pick-up was anticipated, which increase was
expected to be between $2.00 and $11.00 per ton. The Town Manager will
devise a formula to pro rate any increase among the dwelling units in
Town to cover this increase, noting that there were presently 3444
residential units in Highland Beach.
Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser:
The Vice Mayor noted an article in The Monday Paper regarding the
recent passage of the Growth Management Plan, which the Town Attorney
is studying and will report on at an early date.
Vice Mayor Blosser thanked the Greening of AlA Committee (now function-
ing through the CAB) for their submission of statistics regarding that
committee's activities.
Commissioner John 3. Basso:
Commissioner Basso reported on the status of the Highland Beach/Delray
Beach Sewer Issue, noting Greeley & Hansen's final report. The Town
Manager noted that in accordance with the Town Commission's directive,
he attempted to tender a check in the amount of $160,000 in accordance
with the court`s order, which check had again been refused by Delray
Beach. In discussing the matter, it was noted that the Delray Beach
City Council might not be aware that this matter had been mediated and
no further negotiations were possible. MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER
BA5S0/COMMISSIONER STEWART that the Town Attorney write a letter to the
Mayor and City Council of Delray Beach noting this fact and the fact
that the Town of Highland Beach had unsuccessfully attempted to tender
the check twice. This MOTION carried unanimously. The Town Manager
• noted that it was the position of the Delray Beach Assistant City
. Town Commission Regular Meeting
August 6, 1985
Page 3 of 9
Attorney, Barbara Hall, that until the City Council of Delray Beach
accepted the report as final, none of the included timetables started
to run regarding repayment or interest. The Town Manager will attempt
to get this position from Delray Beach in writing.
Commissioner William A. Grier:
Absent.
Commissioner Betty Jean Stewart:
Commissioner Stewart read a memorandum suggesting a method by which to
estimate the tonnage of garbage and trash collected by County Sanita-
tion.
Commissioner Stewart requesteed the Town Manager to contact the DOT in
an attempt to have the right-of-way mowed. Further, Commissioner
Stewart suggested that the Town Manager send out a form letter to
residents reminding them of the manner in which to bundle limbs which
have recently been left on the right-of-way for pick-up.
• Commissioner Stewart reported that a personnel questionaire had been
distributed at the Water Treatment Plant and was expected to be return-
ed at an early date.
A meeting to view the Munis Software System at a local computer store
in Boca Raton is tentatively scheduled for August 8, 1985. The Town
Manager was requested to notify the Financial Advisory Board regarding
this meeting.
Commissioner Stewart requested that a memorandum regarding a July 27,
1985 meeting at the Water Treatment Plant between a staff member, the
Mayor and herself be attached to these Minutes for information.
Discussion again ensued regarding methods by which tonnage could be
measured to determine amounts of garbage being collected in Town. The
Town Manager will study this matter further and seek a way to determine
this fact.
REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY:
The Town Attorney reported that the Planning Board was holding a
Special meeting on August 7, 1985 to review the Royal Highlands plans.
Mr. Sliney reporting that Citicorp had been allowed to join the Boca
Highland lawsuit, and that a response to their Brief was now being
• prepared for submission to the Court.
Town Commissio Regular Meeting
August 6, 198
Page 4 of 9
With regard to County Sanitation, a proposed Addendum incorporating the
items as directed by the Town Commission at its July Workshop Meeting
was submitted. Mr. Sliney noted that inadvertently, the single family
rate had been ommitted and would be added, as would a formula by which
to calculate tipping fees. Also to be included was a consensus by the
Town Commission to calculate the CPI as of June of each year. Inasmuch
as this matter does not have to be approved until the September Regular
Meeting, the amended Addendum will be reviewed again at the August
Workshop Meeting.
REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER:
The Town Manager referred to a memorandum which requested the Town
Commission's consideration of two administrative policy changes, the
first of which was to prohibit accrual of vacation time, providing that
all vacation time be taken in the year in which is it accrued. The
second change was the elimination of the present "over-the-maximum"
salary increase policy. It was noted that both of these changes had
been considered during the last budget discussions, however, no formal
action had been taken on either. MOTION was made by VICE MAYOR BLOSSER/
COMMISSIONER BASSO to approve both of these policy amendments. This
• MOTION carried unanimously.
Mr. Williams reported that advertising for the sale of the Mercury
Cougar automobile was being placed to solicit bids until August 27,
1985 in accordance with the directive given by the Town Commission.
The Town Manager will report on the bids received at the August
Workshop Meeting, with possible action to accept a bid at the September
Regular Meeting.
The Town Manager reported on his attending the Beaches and Shores
session of the Area Planning Council Seminar in West Palm Beach with
regard to the recent passage of the Growth Management Bill.
Mr. Williams noted that the DER and DNR were reevaluating the location
of the Coastal Construction Control Line, upon request, throughout the
State. Mr. Williams did not think that it would be advantageous for
the Town to request such evaluation, inasmuch as the Coastal
Construction Control Line had been set 3Plg feet west in some
instances.
Mr. Williams reported that with regard to recent newspaper reports
indicating his failure to file a Financial Disclosure Form, during the
1984 calendar year, the year reported, the law required filing either
in the County of employment or County of residence. During that
reporting year, he both lived and worked in Hillsborough County, the
County in which his Financial Disclosure had been filed since May of
• 1985.
Town Commission Regular Meeting
August 6, 1985
Page 5 of 9
Mr. Williams noted that the two ordinances necessary for the adoption
of the 1985/86 Fiscal Year Budget would be given first reading today.
Upon question by Commissioner Basso, Mr. Williams reported that a
hearing had been held in Boca Raton regarding the rezoning of property
located adjacent to the Town's wellfields. It was noted that the Town
had an interest, inasmuch as zoning which would allow any chemical
developments would be detrimental to the existing wellfields. The Town
will write a letter to Boca Raton stating their position on the matter
and further requesting that any development granted in the area be
subject to approval by the South Florida Water Management District.
It was noted during this discussion that the Town had developed
substantial background with regard to the wellfields and that the Town
Manager should approach Camp Dresser & McKee, the Town's engineers,
with a view toward considering a reduction in cost to evaluate the
Town's wellfields as part of the overall proposal made by CDM at an
earlier date.
Also discussed was the Town Manager's setting of a meeting with
Mr. Zemel, the proposed independent expert on the Town's Water
Treatment Plant, with Dr. Singley as Co-consultant, due to his
expertise in spyractor plants. Mr. Williams will try to set this
meeting during the week of August 20, 1985, at a time convenient to the
Town Commission.
Responding to a question by Mayor Sullivan, Attorney Sliney noted that
the 90-day time limit given by the Court in which to come to an
amicable solution with regard to Royal Highlands expires on September
15, 1985. The Town Attorney further noted that if no agreement is
reached between the Town and Royal Highlands, that the matter would
again be scheduled on the Court calendar for hearing.
Regarding the status of the recent monitoring well installation,
Mr. Williams noted that an inspection had been done on July 30, 1985,
however, no reports had been given yet and would be transmitted to the
Town Commission, as soon as received.
REPORTS - BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
(a) BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT - Alternate Member vacancy.
MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER BASSO/VICE MAYOR SLOBBER to appoint
Raymond Masciarella to the Board of Adjustment as an Alternate Member
for the term of one year. This MOTION carried unanimously.
(b) CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD - No meeting until September.
Town Commission Regular Meeting
August 6, 1985
Page 6 of 9
(c) COMMUNITY APPEARANCE BOARD - Will meet on 8/29/85.
One Regular Member vacancy.
CommissionerStewart noted that this was a particularly bad time to make
appointments, inasmuch as many residents were away on vacation and
further, that no recommendations had been given by any of the Boards
regarding possible appointments. Commissioner Basso noted that the
various Boards should be made a part of the interview process, prior to
any appointments being made.
Dr. Schiff, Chairman of the Board of Adjustment, addressed the Town
Commission, noting that he felt that the Town Commission was not seek-
ing any influence by the Boards with regard to appointments or he would
have participated in the interview process and felt that the Town
should have a set policy for all the Boards, being consistent in their
procedure. Vice Mayor Blosser noted that the procedure for
appointments had been studied approximately two years ago, with no
definite decisions being made. Although the Town Manager expressed his
view that the applicants should be interviewed and appointed by the
Town Commission, inasmuch as they reported to the Town Commission, it
• was the general consensus of the Town Commision that the various Board
Chairmen be advised of any potential members and be invited to
participate in the interview process. Dr. Schiff also expressed his
concern regarding the six-year time limitation on Boards, noting that
an Alternate Member who is appointed as a Regular Member would not be
allowed to serve two three-year terms as a Regular Member. Mayor
Sullivan noted that the Town Attorney had been requested to render an
opinion on this. Attorney Sliney noted that a literal reading of the
Code would include Alternate Members in this category and that the Town
Code should be amended with regard to all the Boards to alleviate this
problem. With regard to the vacancy on this Board, the Town Commission
will await a recommendation from the Community Appearance Board, prior
to taking any action.
(d) FINANCIAL ADVISORY BOARD.
Noting the Resolution to be considered today to expand the membership,
as well as the duties of the FAB, Mr. Reese James, Chairman, endorsed
the appointment of recently interviewed Talent Bank Applicant Richard
Brunton.
(e) LIBRARY BOARD - Will meet on 8/13/85.
(f) PLANNING BOARD/LOCAL PLANNING AGENCY - One Regular Vacancy.
8/7/85 - Special Meeting re Royal Highlands
8/14/85 - Regular Meeting
8/21/85 - Special Meeting re Boca Hi
Town Commission Regular Meeting
,• August 6, 1985
Page 7 of 9
Regarding the existing vacancy, Vice Chairman Mrs. Rome addressed the
Town Commission, indicating that the Planning Board was considering
this matter at its 8/7/85 Special Meeting and would transmit their
recommendation to the Town Commission thereafter.
(g) POLICE ADVISORY BOARD - No meeting until September.
One Regular Member Vacancy.
PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA AMENDING
CHAPTER 15, ENTITLED "LAND CLEARANCE" BY THE ADDITION OF A
SECTION ENTITLED "ACCUMULATION OF DEBRIS ON LAND OR RIPARIAN
AREAS - PROHIBITED".
This matter was read by title only by Mayor Sullivan. This proposed
Ordinance will be discussed at the August Workshop Meeting for possible
adoption at the September Regular Meeting.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA TO EFFECT
A TAX LEVY BASED UPON THE 1985 TAX ROLL OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1985-86,
BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 1985 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 1986.
The above two proposed Ordinances were read by title by Mayor Sullivan
and will be the subject of upcoming hearings and the August Workshop
Meeting, with possible adoption at a Special Meeting to be held on
September 24, 1985, in conjunction with the September Workshop Meeting.
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
AMENDING RESOLUTION N0. 457 (Financial Advisory Board).
This Resolution was read in full by Mayor Sullivan. Vice Mayor Blosser
noted her concern that Items 2, 3, and 4, of the duties encompassed
within the Resolution (relating to wage and salary schedules, employee
benefits, and purchasing) might only be applicable to this current year
and thought they should be eliminated. It was the consensus that
although these matters may only need study from time to time, they
should remain in the Resolution. It was further noted that this
Resolution expanded the FAB to five Regular Members, rather than three
Regulars and one Alternate Member. MOTION was made by COMMISSIONER
BASSO/VICE MAYOR BLO5SER to adopt the Resolution. The MOTION carried
unanimously.
•
• Town Commission Regular Meeting
August 7, 1985
Page 8 of 9
MOTION was then made by COMMISSIONER STEWART/VICE MAYOR BLOSSER to
appoint Richard Brunton as a Regular Member to the Financial Advisory
Board for a term of three years. This MOTION also carried unanimously.
MOTION was also made by COMMISSIONER STEWART/VICE MA Ya2 BLOS5ER to
appoint Walter Peklenk, the present Alternate Member of the FAB, to the
remaining Regular Member position. This MOTION carried unanimously.
Mayor Sullivan noted a pending Talent Bank Application of Mr. Walter
Clayton, who had not yet been interviewed. The Town Clerk advised that
Mr. Clayton had been out of town and would be invited to the August
Workshop Meeting.
REGULAR BUSINESS:
Consent Agenda -
Authorization for Mayor to execute Hold Harmless Agreement between
Town and Monterey House re Satellite Dish installation.
MOTION was made by VICE MAYOR BLOSSER/COMMISSIONER STEWART to approve
• the Consent Agenda. This MOTION carried unanimously.
Items Left Over
1. Final site plan review - Enclaves of Boca Cove
This matter was discussed. It was noted that Mr. Bruce Sutherland,
Building Official, had been requested to submit the approval of the
Community Appearance Board, in writing, prior to this meeting and that
the same had not been done. Mr. Robert Gore, developer of Enclaves,
stated that all approvals had been given by the Planning Board and the
Community Appearance Board. The Town Commission noted that the CAB
report on the facade of the building was vague. Mr. Sutherland did not
feel that anything further had to be resolved by the Boards and that
the matter was ready for the Town Commission's final approval. Mr.
Sutherland was excused in order for him to call a member of the CAB to
clarify the facade question.
2. Amended site plan review - Ocean Reef
This matter was deferred until Mr. Sutherland's return.
3. Addendum to County Sanitation Contract
Attorney Sliney reiterated those items which had been discussed earlier
in the meeting, noting ,that this item would again be addressed at the
August Workshop Meeting.
Town Commission Regular Meeting
August 6, 1985
Page 9 of 9
4. Report of Audit Selection Committee -
•
It was reported that the Financial Advisory Board, along with the Town
Manager and the Vice Mayor, had reviewed the five proposals received
and had rated them in order of preference. The Town Commission will
interview three of the five firms, prior to any decision being made.
Returning to the matter of Enclaves of Bova Cove, Mr. Sutherland
indicated that he had discussed the Matter with Mr. Guy Galizia, Acting
Chairman of the CAB, who stated that the matter of the facade was a
misunderstanding and that the site plan had indeed received final
approval by the CAB. MOTION was then made by VICE MAYOR BLOSSER/
COMMISSIONER STEWART that final approval be given to the site plan for
Enclaves of Boca Cove. The MOTION carried unanimously.
With regard to the request for the approval of an amended site plan
review for Ocean Reef, Mr. Sutherland again noted that the Planning
Board and CAB had unanimously recommended approval, after which
MOTION was made by VICE MAYOR BLOSSER/COMMISSIONER BASSO to approve
same. This MOTION carried unanimously.
BILLS FOR APPROVAL:
There were no bills submitted for approval.
There being no further business to come before the Town Commission at
this Regular Meeting, same was adjourned upon pro e~ MOTION and second
at 3:30 p.m. n~ ~ ' ~
APPROVED:
ward J. Sull~W~n, Mayor
S~ mat ~ ~.~...,.. ~_ i,.Q c.-~.,oi
Mar Lou a G. Blosser,Vice Mayor
J n Bas o, Commis Toner
~~'' ~ `
William A. Grier~,~om~inissioner
7/
Bet Jean Stewart, Commissioner
ATTEST:
T CLE
DATE: "~-~~
ATTACHMENTS: 2
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LAW OFFICES RE C E 1 vEpr AUG 2 -- ~
DILWORTH, f AXSON, VCALISH, KAUFFMAN & TYLANDER
~CE W. KAUFFMAN
`MEN J. HORN
1£N J. HARMELIN
vAVI+T] H. PITTINSKY
JAME$ A. SUTTON
MARVIN WE155
RAYMOND F. SCULLY
EDWIN M. GOLDS MITH,III
JOHN F. SMITH, III
RICHARD 5. MEYER
J CLAYTON UN DE RCOFLE R, III
STEPHEN J. MATHEB
THOMAS A. LEONARD
ROSS J. REEEE
JOHN PHILIP CRAMPTON
RICHARD M. SEGAL
BERNARD E. ZBR2E2NJ
THOMAS E. SLIM EY'
CONSTANCE B. FOSTER
JOHN F. 5T0 VIAN
ALAN J. HOFFMAN
THOMAS J. ELLIOTT
LOUIS B. KUPPERMAN
JVSTIN P. KLEIN
KAREN MAREK SCHELLER
MARK J. LEVIN
JOSEPH P. DOUG HER
JULES 1. WHITMAN
JOHN M. ELLIOTT
JOSEPH H. JACOVINI
EDWARD F. MAN NINO
JOHN N. FIT2 PATRICK
ROBERT P. CASEY
JAMES J. LINUS
CARL H. MANZELIK
THOMAS E. DORAN
ALAN C. KAUFFMAN
THEODORE A. YOUNG
STEVEN L. FRIE DMAN
DANIEL E. BEREN
PETER J. PICOTTE, 11
LAWRENCE D. BERGER
JOHN R. LATOU RETT E, JR.
ROGER F. WOOD
ROBERT N. d. LUCA
CARL G. ROBE RTS
JAME$ F. MONTEITH
GARY R. LEAOBETTER
SMERYL L. AUCRBACH
MARC A. FELLER
THOMAS J. BENOE R,JR.
HOPE A. COMISKT
LAWRENCE G. Mc MIC HAEL
STEPHEN G. BRAVERMAN
COUNSEL TO *HE FIRM
HARRY A. HALISH
COUNSEL
MARCVS MANOFF
ROBERT W. MARTS
NATHAN B. FEINSTEIN
ALAN B. STERN STEIN
LOUIS M. HEIDEIBE RGER
ROBERT O. TY LANDER•
JONATHAN VIPON D, III
RICHARD J. GORDON
C. LEO SUTTON
LEONARD J. COON
NCNBER OF FLORIDA BAR
Mr. Hugh Williams
HENRY F. 51E DZIKOWSNI
MA RGVERITE 5. WALSH
THOMAS I. VA NASKIE
EDWARD S. WARDEII
DANIEL J. CARRIGAN
ALE%ANDRA DYLAN SAN DLER
VIRGINIA LYNN HOGBEN
JOHN F. O BRIEN
DANIEL F. RYAN, III
MITCHEII 8. KIRSCHNER"
G LADYS R0GER5 BUCK
EDMUNDS J. BROKANS
JANE W. GOLOBLUM
JOHN W. SCHMEHL
DANIEL B. EVANS
JAME$ W. BAUMBACH
JAMES J. GREENFIELD
DAVID K. FRIED MAN'
JOSEPH F. KESSLER
DOUGLAS M. LURID
RALPH J. KELLY
MICHAEL L. KRA NGER
MA RJORIE RAND
ANN M. CALDW ELL
MICHAEL P. GALIAGHER
WILLIAM J. lEO HARD
DOMINIC S. LIBERI
SARA BETH KALB
2600 THE FIDELITY BUILDING
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 19109
(215) 875-7000
PENN SECURITY BANK BUILDING
SCRANTON, PENNSYLVANIA 18503
(717) 346-7569
610 LOCUST COURT BUILDING
HARRISBURG, PENNSYLVANIA 17101
(717) 236-4812
INTERNATIONAL 50 UARE. SUITE 280
1825 "EYES STREET, N. W.
WASHINGTON. D. C. 20006
(202) 296-9320
SUITE 700
150 EAST PALMETTO PARK ROAD
BOLA RATON, FLORIDA 33432-4834
(305) 392-8900
PALM BEACH (305) 734-6108
BROWARD COUNTY (305) 421-8900
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qIC NA gO50N OILWORTH
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HENRY D. PA%SON
1904-1975
RICHARD L. LEVY
1911-1979
August 1, 1985
Town Manager
• Town of Highland Beach
3614 S. Ocean Blvd.
Highland Beach, Florida 33431
Re: Proposed County Parks
Dear Hugh:
~~
Enclosed please find a memorandum concerning preliminary
research that our office has done concerning the Town's position
concerning the proposed purchase of land at Highland Beach for
use as a new park and/or beaches. As you will see from the
memorandum, Palm Beach County does not get a "free ride" in this
matter. In fact, it is our opinion, based on this preliminary
research, that Palm Beach County would have to apply to the
Town for a special exception or change in zoning for any
proposed park which the County may wish to establish within the
Town of Highland Beach.
We will continue working on this matter and will advise
you accordingly.
Very tr yours,
Tho as E. Sliney
LOUISE L. M.TUCKER
HENRY N. NASSAU
PAUL W. BAS KOW SKY
CHRISTOPHER A. LEWIS
JAMES J. RO DGE R$
WILLIAM A. 5CARI, JR.
TIMOTHY W, CALLAHAN, II
DAWN RENEE CHISM
CARL W. NITTINGER
1EW15 M. PETZO LD•
JOHN L. NEATON
ANNE MARIE P. KELLEY
BARBARA ANISKO
JAMES W. BROWN
PAUL 5. DIAMOND
ROBERT J. MO55
RICHARD B. BARNIN
DONNA M. ALBANt
JAMES J. GVPKO
JAMES C. CRUMLISH, III
WILLIAM F. MARTIN
CHARLES E.GVTSMALL
JAME$ T. SMITH
JAMES I. DEVINE
7HOMA5 J. FOLEY, III
G ERALYN GAHRAN HUM PH REY
JUDY M. LEVEN STEIN
LAWRENCE F. SHAY
TES/jev
Enclosure
•
TO: THOMAS E. SLINEY
FROM: DAVID K. FRIEDMAN
MEMORANDUAi
RE: PROPOSED COUNTY PARK - TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
FILE NUMBER 01221-32662
DATE: July 31, 1935
This memorandum is in response to your request for an opinion
as to how the Town may oppose the County's proposed purchase of
land in Highland Beach for use as a new park.
^4y research indicates that in the absence of express legislative
immunity from zoning, the intruding government in this case Palm
• Reach County, is required to apply to the host government, (Highland
Beach), for a special exception or change in zoning, whichever is
appropriate. PAL-NIAR Water Management District vs. Martin County,
377 So. 2nd 752 (Fla. 4th D.C.A. 1979); Hillsborough Assoc~_ation
for Retarded Citizens, Inc., vs. City of Temple Terrace, So. 2nd
610, (Fla. 1976) .
The Zoning Authority should consider weighing the applicant's
needs for the use in question, its effect upon the host unit
zoning plan, neighboring property, environmental impact, and other
relevant factors. Palm Beach County vs. City of Apopka, 299
So.2nd 652 (Fla. 4th D.C.A. 1974). The latter case, suggests that
if the applicant is dissatified with the decision of the Zoning
Authority, it is entitled, to seek a judicial determination which
• the Circuit Court should balance the competing public and private
interests necessary to reach an equitable resolution of the conflict.
• Memorandum
Page Two
To: Thomas E. Sliney - Proposed County Park
The above case laid down what is known as the "balancing of
competing interests" test, wherein the court considers (1) the
type of function involved, (2) the applicant's legislative grant
of authority, (3) the public need for the proposed use (4) the
existing land use scheme, (S) alternative locations for the facility,
finless restrictive zoning areas (6) alternative methods for providing
the needed improvement, and (7) the detriment to the adjoining
land owners.
If after weighing all pertinent factors, the Court finds the
proposed the host government is acting unreasonably, the Zoning
• Ordinance shall be held inapplicable to the proposed improvement.
The burden of proof, however, is upon the intruding government.
Hillsborough Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc. supra.
If the intruding government authority fails to apply for a
zoning exception, or change of zoning, and proceeds to commence
construction, or excavation, the host government is entitled to
seek an permanent injunction to enjoin the construction. See
Village of North Palm Beach vs. School Board of Palm Beach County,
349 So.2nd 683, (Fla. 4th D.C.A. 1977) (School Board held enjoined
from constructing library building, since construction would violate
set-back requirements of village zoning ordinance); PAL-MAR=
eater Management District, supra. The trial court, in ruling on the
injunction request should apply the "balancing of interests" test in
•
' Mernorandufn
Page Three
To: Thomas E. Sliney - Proposed County Park
deciding whether the host's zoning ordinances should apply to the
intruding government. Village of Plorth Palm Beach, supra.
In Palm Beach County vs. Town of Palm Beach County,310
So.2nd 384 (Fla. 4th D.C.A. 1975) Palm Beach County wanted to use
land in the Town of Palm Beach as an additional oceanfront beach
and recreational facility. The court held that the trial court
correctly determined that Palm Beach County was bound by the
zoning regulations of the Town of Palm Beach and as to use of the
county property which was located in the territorial limits of the
municipality. The court stated that it did not make a difference
• whether the property was to be used for governmental or proprietary
purposes. The court, however, did note that the proposed use of
the property, as an additional oceanfront beach and recreational
facility, appeared to be a meritorious use justifying special
consideration. See City of Daytona Beach v. Tona-Rama, Inc. 294
So.2nd 73. (Fla. 1974). 1. The Court notes in a footnote, that
the subject property lied within an area zoned commercial, and
that the use of the property of the beach or recreation area would
seem to possess no lesser dignity than the current permitted and
accessory uses.
The court concluded that the granting of a special exception
to the Town's existing zoning ordinance should be carefully con-
• sidered by the significantly important proposed public use and the
pertinent judicial decisions bearing upon the applicability of
zoning ordinances relating to such public use.
•
' r4emorandurh
• Page Four
To: Thomas E. Sliney - Proposed County Park
The Palm Beach County case did not indicate procedural
posture of the case other than indicating that Palm Beach County
brought the action against the Town of Palm Beach. I would assume
that it was a Declaratory Judgment Action requesting the court to
determine whether Palm Beach County was bound by the Town's zoning
ordinances. The Court determined that the County was bound by the
ordinance. It would appear that the County was not precluded from
thereafter seeking a special exception as was in the foregoing
opinion.
U
•
Tol~ihom'it9may concern
From: B.J. Stewart, comm.
memo re: meeting at Highland Beach Water Plant on July 27, 1986.
' Water plant trainee, Bahram Ahmady, with an expression of some urgency,
requested a meeting with me and the mayor. We responded promptly by
meeting with him for a tour of the water plant on the afternoon of
July 27, 1985.
As we walked around the plant, he showed us areas he felt were being
neglected and altered. He voiced his concerns for the people the water
plant nerves.
Today I have drafted a questionnaire based upon some of my notes of
this meeting. It is for all the members of the utilities department
to supply their factual observations should they also perceive deficient
-ies. Copies will be given to Jack Lee, assistant director, at the
workshop meeting on Tuesday, so he may give them to the others.
s
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