1985.09.24_TC_Minutes_Workshop
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, September 24, 1985 1.30 P M
A Workshop Meeting of the Town Commission was called to order by Mayor
Edward J. Sullivan in the Town Commission Chambers at 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 members of the general
public.
85.1 Public Comments and Requests:
Mr. Abraham Futernick and Mr. Michael Dent both addressed the Town
Commission stating their opposition to the prc~osed countywide beach
bond issue, urging the Town's continual opposition to same.
Mr. Dent also stated his opposition to the expenditure of funds on a
proposed study of the Water Treatment Plant being considered by the
Town Commission.
85.2 Boards and Committees:
A proposed policy regarding the method of appointment of board members
was discussed and will be put into a form for possible adoption at the
October 1, 1985 Regular Meeting.
At this time, Mr. Bruce Sutherland, Building Official, discussed the
proposal of tying in revised fee schedules for permit fees with the
National Construction Industry Index. .Proposed ordinances regarding
this matter will be submitted for first reading at the October 1, 1985
Regular Meeting.
Returning to the discussion regarding Boards and Committees, it was
noted that an Alternate Member vacancy existed on the Planning Board,
and that the Planning Board had recommended the appointment of Abraham
Futernick to this vacancy. There is also an Alternate Member vacancy on
the Police Advisory Board., however, no recommendation has been received
on this.
Regarding the appointment of an alternate member to the Palm Beach
Countywide Beaches and Shores Council, to serve with the Town's Regular
Member, Commissioner Stewart, a memorandum from Commissioner Stewart
was read by the Mayor submitting the name of Michael Leonard. It was
further noted in Commissioner Stewart's memorandum that Mr. Leonard had
been recommended by Mr. Reece James, Chairman of the Financial Advisory
• Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 24, 1985
Page 2 of 7
Board. This matter will be further considered at the October 1, 1985
Regular Meeting.
85.3 Proposed Ordinances and Resolutions:
1. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. SP16, WHICH APPROPRIATED FUNDS
FOR FISCAL YEAR 1984/85, WHICH BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 1984
AND ENDS ON SEPTEMBER 3~1, 1985.
2. 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.
3. 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.
After explanation of the content of each by the Town Manager, it was
noted that the above three proposed Ordinances would be the subject of
• a Special Meeting to be held later in the day.
4. A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, FOR THE ENACTMENT, ESTAB-
LISHMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN A COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS
WITH MEMBERSHIP CONSISTING OF OTHER GOVERNMENTAL
JURISDICTIONS IN SOUTH PALM BEACH COUNTY AND PALM BEACH
COUNTY; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
This Resolution will also be taken up at the Special Meeting to be held
later this day, along with the designation of the Town's Regular and
Alternate delegates to this COG.
85.28 Discussion renegotiations with County Sanitation:
A proposed revised Addendum as well as accompanying rate information
was submitted to the Town Commission. It was determined that the CPI
Index should be utilized each year for the month of June and that this
should be included in the proposed Addendum. This Addendum will be re-
drafted and placed on the Consent Agenda for the October 1, 1985
Regular Meeting.
REPORTS - TOWN COMMISSION:
Mayor Edward J. Sullivan -
• Mayor Sullivan reported on his meeting with Mayor Campbell of Delray
Beach regarding the Sewer Issue hoping for an early resolution of the
matter.
• Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 24, 1985
Page 3 of 7
Mayor Sullivan also noted that various condominium associations were
sending resolutions to the County Commission in support of the Town's
position regarding the beach bond issue as well as the Town's position
on the acquisition of park property within Highland Beach.
Vice Mayor Mary Louise G. Blosser -
Vice Mayor Blosser noted that there would be a Library Program entitled
"Know Your Beaches" held on October 18, 1985 at 3:00 p.m. Further,
with regard to the Library, Vice Mayor Blosser and Commissioner Grier
both expressed concern that the consolidation of the Library and Post
Office telephones was not working. Problems have been pointed out not
only by several Library Volunteers, but by the Post Office employees
also. The Town Manager was instructed to provide for separate lines to
each department.
Vice Mayor Blosser noted a Sun Sentinel newspaper article of August 27,
1985 regarding the creation of a Charter Review Committee in Lake Worth
which allowed each member of the City Commission to appoint one member,
with those five appointed members, appointing two additional members.
• The Vice Mayor recommended that the Town Commission consider this
option.
Upon inquiry by the Vice Mayor,
Attorney Moss regarding the sang
that the letter stated that the
Highlands Place site. Attorney
letter did not state the amount
ambiguous and a follow up would
Attorney Sliney cited a letter from
~ storage at Royal Highlands, indicating
sand was to be returned to the
Sliney further indicated that the
of sand to be removed and was somewhat
be made for clarification of this.
Vice Mayor Blosser requested information regarding any Resolutions or
Ordinances which might be required in view of the concluding RPUD's in
Town, citing Boca Hi, Hoffman and Drexel as examples. The Town
Attorney stated that he was researching this matter and would submit
whatever he felt was necessary to comply with the Town's requirements
to conclude these RPUD's.
Commissioner John J. Basso -
Commissioner Basso cited the fact that a letter had been written to
Barbara Hall, Assistant Attorney for Delray Beach, with copies to the
Town, by Greeley and Hansen's Chicago Office, which stated that except
for a few typographical errors, their report of April was indeed final.
Commissioner Basso stated that the Town should make a final attempt to
resolve the matter with Delray Beach, and if same attempt was not suc-
cessful, then the matter should be taken to court for action.
•
• Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 24, 1985
Page 4 of 7
Commissioner William A. Grier -
Commissioner Grier recommended that the Mayor include information re-
garding the upcoming County Commission meetings about the beach bond
issue in the next issue of The Bulletin, along with publishing the Town
Commission's position on the matter. Also, information regarding the
obtaining of absentee ballots will be included.
Commissioner Betty Jean Stewart -
Commissioner Stewart was absent.
REPORTS - TOWN ATTORNEY:
Attorney Sliney noted that he had responded to a request of Boca Hi for
a meeting of several "Ad Hoc" parties, including a member of the Town
Commission, by replying that this would be unacceptable for the Town
Commission to become involved. Vice Mayor Blosser noted that this had
been done in the past without success.
• With regard to Royal Highlands, Attorney Sliney reported that he had
received a telephone call from Attorney Stephen Moss, representing
Royal Highlands, who indicated that they wanted to submit a set of
revised plans for consideration by the Town which would be submitted by
September 26, 1985. The Planning Board will hold a Special Meeting on
October 2, 1985 to discuss the plans, after which a Special Meeting
might be called by the Town Commission in an effort to resolve the
matter prior to the scheduled October 11, 1985 calendar call before
Judge Shults. Attorney Sliney urged the Town Commissioners to make
every effort to review the plans in anticipation of any action which
might be needed. Although Commissioner Basso felt that a full
Commission should be present, it was the general consensus that in view
of the fact of the court date, every effort should be made to cooperate
with the Town Attorney in any possible solution of the matter.
Commissioner Basso further requested that the Town obtain all further
correspondence from opposing parties in writing, as much of the conver-
sation had been transmitted only orally.
It was noted that the Maravilla property was now being a possible item
for acquisition by the County with regard to the beach bond issue. Vice
Mayor Blosser requested an update as to the recent proposed dissolution
of the existing Unity of Title on the property. Attorney Sliney noted
that there had been financial problems suffered by Sunrise Savings and
Loan, a partner in the property, and that it appeared that they were
not proceeding with the requested dissolution of Unity of Title. It was
further noted that unless the various items which had been drawn on
• this matter had been recorded, that same was null and void. Attorney
Sliney will write to Sunrise Savings to attempt to find out the present
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 24, 1985
Page 5 of 7
ownership on the property. Commissioner Grier cited that recent news-
paper articles stated that the Maravilla property as well as the east
Hoffman property were being considered for acquisition by the County.
REPORTS - TOWN MANAGER:
With regard to the Utilities Report, the Town Manager noted that infor-
mation would be available within two weeks for a determination on the
feasibility of repairing or replacing the damaged Intracoastal Water
line, which line is not now in service.
Mr. Williams stated that the new motor had been installed in Lift
Station #1, and that we would have a report from Geotech within a week
on the operation of same. Also, Mr. Williams reported that the
chlorides were exceptionally low.
Mr. Williams made reference to the SWIM program at a cost of $6,275.
The Town Manager submitted a proposal from Camp Dresser and McKee (the
Town's Engineers) which quoted a price of $9,900 to perform Task No. 1
involving evaluation of the exising well fields of their previous
report. This matter will formally considered at the October 1, 1985
Regular Meeting.
Regarding options for storage facilities at the Water Treatment Plant,
the Town Manager will have a firm report at the October Workshop
Meeting on the cost and feasibility of using the existing filter shed
(now unused). The Town Manager stated that to provide four walls and a
roof would cost approximately $1,200.
A proposed educational policy was submitted to the Town Commission.
Mr. Williams noted that simultaneously, this report had been submitted
to the Financial Advisory Board for their recommendations at which time
it will be discussed by the Town Commission.
Discussion was held regarding the $15,000 proposal of Coopers and
Lybrand to conduct-the Town's audit for this year with a re-negotiation
clause for an additional two years. It was noted that the Town did not
yet have a firm engagement letter assuring that the $15,04!4! figure was
a maximum fee which could possibly be lower. Mr. Williams will solicit
such a letter for possible action at the October 1, 1985 Regular
Meeting.
A proposal to increase the labor costs by Harvel and Deland, Utility
Contractors, by 7.5°s was discussed. It was the consensus that this in-
crease was in line with rising costs and therefore, this matter will be
placed on the October 1, 1985 Consent Agenda.
The Town Manager submitted a feasibility study and proposal regarding
the provision of data processing equipment to computerize the Finance
Department, recommending the purchase of equipment and programs from
IMS. It was noted by Mayor Sullivan that Commissioner Stewart, as well
• Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 24, 1985
Page 6 of 7
Richard Brunton of the Financial Advisory Board, had looked as some
additional software programs, one of which was in the process of being
scheduled for demonstration at Highland Beach. It was the consensus
that this matter be deferred until such time as Commissioner Stewart
returns and the additional software is investigated. Also, Mayor
Sullivan requested that the Town Manager research to see what was
available through the State Purchasing System with regard to hardware.
It was noted that although an item appeared at this point regarding the
revision of fees, that this matter had been taken up earlier in the
meeting.
At the recommendation of the Town Manager, it was the consensus that as
of October 7, 1985, the Town Hall hours will be changed back to 8:30
a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with a one hour lunch period. There will be no
flex time provision established.
A five minute recess was taken at this point in the meeting.
With regard to the Bel Air Drive repaving project, the Town Manager
reported that the contractors had compacted the surface of the road and
that paving should be accomplished within one week.
Mr. Williams reported that the matter of "weighted voting" with regard
to the Palm Beach County Municipal League had been soundly defeated by
the vote of the small municipalities in the County. The structure of
the executive board may now be an option for the larger cities to gain
further authority in this League and will be considered.
Regarding the proposed 3.5 increase to employees incorporated into the
proposed 1985/86 FY budget, it was noted that action should be formally
taken on the change of policy to have the increases payable to each
employee on their anniversary date rather than October 1, 1985. This
matter will be taken up at the Special Meeting to be held later this
day.
A proposed contract with Nathaniel Zemel regarding the study of opera-
tions at the Town's water plant was then discussed. A recent newspaper
article in which a DER Official stated that there was no problem with
the water in Highland Beach was cited. Commissioner Grier read a
statement in which he stated his opposition to the expenditure of funds
on a study to find out facts that were already known as to the quality
of the Highland Beach water. He felt that the expense was motivated by
a political "furor" due to the recent change of personnel at the water
plant and would die down in a timely manner. Commissioner Grier did
• not feel that the expenditure was justified. Vice Mayor Blosser con-
curred in Commissioner Grier's opinion on this matter. Commissioner
Basso stated that he felt that the quality of the water was not good,
Town Commission Workshop Meeting
September 24, 1985
Page 7 of 7
citing his own experiences with his personal water filter as an exam-
ple. Commissioner Basso felt that this was a big issue in Town and
that the Town should spend the funds to have the study done. Mr.
Williams stated that although the taste of the water might be improved,
there was no evidence that the quality of water in Town was not accept-
able. Mayor Sullivan stated that this study was not just to find out
what shape the quality of the water was in, but to determine whether
the plant was being run properly as far as operations and staff.
Commissioner Basso further expressed his concern regarding carcinogens
in the water. Commissioner Grier stated that if the study could come
up with a solution for the THM count, that might be a potential selling
point, however, felt that the present Zemel contract was a duplication
of records already being kept by both the Town and other state
agencies. It was noted that this matter may be addressed again at the
Special Meeting to be held later this day.
There being no further business to come before the Town Commission at
this Workshop Meeting, same was adjou ~ at 4:4PJ .m.
APPROVED: '
• Edward J. livan, Mayor
ATTEST:
OWN C ERK
DATE : ~L - ~3 --~
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Betty Jean Stewart, Commissioner