1983.02.18_TC_Minutes_Special/~ ~ a
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
•
February 18, 1983
TOWN COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
1:30 P.M.
Mayor Horton called the meeting to order at 1:30 P.M. Those in
attendance. were Mayor Louis Y. Horton, Vice Mayor Mary Louise G.
Blosser, Commissioners John J. Basso, Edward J. Sullivan and Harry
Walker.
Also in attendance were. Elaine W. Roberts, Town Manager; and Rita
Ebersole, Deputy Town Clerk.
Mayor Horton read into the minutes a letter dated February. l5, 1983
directed to Frank S. Messersmith, Legislative Delegation Chairman,
Palm Beach County from the Mayor. He also read into the record the
reply he received. (See attached).
1. Presentation by Assistant County Administrator, Vi.nee
Bonavento re consolidation of Fire districts.
Mr. Bonavento addressed
was first recommended in
• was established to study
after extensive research
County Commissioners.
the Commission. He said consolidation
1975. In June of 1981 a task force
the feasibility of consolidation and
they recommended unification to the
Twenty-three years ago the county was divided into ten Fire
districts; each district having a separate Board of Supervisors,
individual purchasing, insurance programs, salary systems,
account systems, training programs, legal audit services and
separately purchasing gas and oil to name a few items. If all
the Fire districts were standardized into four MSTU (Municipal
Service Tax Units) Mr. Bonavento explained a huge savings would
be realized. Taxes collected in each district would remain in
that district, by Florida law and there would be a unified level
of services. He assured the Commission that Del Trail would
remain the same and the cost to this community would remain the
same.
Commissioner Sullivan left the meeting at 2:30 P.M.
Mayor Horton suggested that Highland Beach may decide to opt
out of the district and have their own Fire Department. We
now pay $505,000 for the services we receive, he said.
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Special Meeting
Town Commission
February 18, 1983
Page 2 of 2
Mayor Horton left the meeting at 2:40 P.M_ and Vice Mayor
Blosser chaired the remainder of the meeting.
Commissioner Basso moved to put the remainder of the agenda
on the Workshop meeting, reache_dled for Thursday, February
24, 1983 (from Tuesday, February 22, 1983) so that several
of the Commissioners could attend the meeting of the Palm Beach
Legislative Delegation on Tuesday, February 22, 1983. All agreed.
Commissioner Basso MOVED to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Walker.
Meeting adjourned at 2:55 P.M.
APPROVED : --
Louis Horton, Mayor
Mary ouise G. Blosser, Vice Mayo
•
Edward J. S
ATTEST:
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so, C~6m~nissioner
Harry Wa
van, Commissioner
r, Commissioner
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Boar of County Commissioners
ggy B. Evatt, Chairman
Ken Spillias, Vice Chairman
Dennis P. Koehler
Dorothy Wiilcen
Bill Bailey ~ .,
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!`Ar. Louis Y. Horton, ~tilayor
Town of Highland 13each
3614 South Ocean [boulevard
Highland [leach, FL 33431
Dear ~1~1r. Horton:
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John C. Sansbury
February 16, 1983
As you are aware, the t3oard of County Commissioners has approved the unification
of the ten existing fire districts into one fire department and established four
separate rnunicipai service taxing units for taxing purposes. Alternative Of3 in the
attached material defines these municipal service taxing units.
By State Law, municipalities cannot reside in municipal service taxing units. As a
result, the affected municipalities will be required to contract with the t3oard of
County Commissioners for fire protection. The procedure for contracting is
definiated under section three of the proposed legislative bill.
I am lookinu forward to my meeting with you, the Commissioners and ~bts. Roberts
to explain the unification of the fire districts and answer any questions which may
arise.
Sincerely yours,
~C
incept J. Elonvento
Assistant County Administrator
VJB:CE:ce
Attachment
BOX 1989 WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA 33401
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Town of Highland Beach
3614 SOUTH OCEAN BOULEVARD • HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA 33431
Palm Beach County, Florida
February 15, 1983
Frank S. Messersmith, Chairman
Legislative Delegation, Palm Beach County
200 Hypoluxo Road, Suite 202
Hypoluxo, Florida 33462
Dear Representative Messersmith:
305 - 278-4548
Mayor:
Loins Y. Horton
Vice Mayor
Maty Louise G Blnsser
Commissioners
John J. Basso
Edward 7 Sullivrtn
Harry Walker
Town Manage:.
Elaine W. Robert>:
Apparently at the next meeting of the Palm Beach County Legis-
lative Delegation, there will be discussion of the proposal of
the County Commission to consolidate the fire districts. I
would like to express some thoughts on this matter.
solidation.
The Town of Highland Beach has been well served by the Del Trail
Fire district for some 18 years. We feel it would be a mistake
it to lose it's autonomy. We understand that the present County
Commission plan is to proceed with the takeover in stages, but
there seems to be no doubt that the ultimate aim is full con-
for
It seems to me that this is BIG GOVERNMENT at it's worst. I have
tried to read and understand thoughts that have been expressed
by members of the County Commission but have found no legitimate
reason for takeover of the Del Trail Fire District, which provides
a high level of service.
Certainly, the County Commission has the responsibility of seeing
that all county residents receive emergency service of a satis-
factory quality. I feel, however, that this should be accomplished
in a different manner. I strongly believe that the best government
is that which is closest to the people and therefore most respon-
sive to their needs and desires.
It would be far preferable for the umbrella government (in this
instance, the County Commission) to set standards of service and
make certain that those standards are met. If a community or a
taxing district were unable to meet such standards, then the
umbrella government--on a temporary basis--could build up the
inadequate department so that the resid ents it serves would enjoy
the predetermined standards of service. On the other hand, if a
community or taxing district meets the standards set forth, then
~~ w w
}' To Frank S.
Legislative
February.l5,
Messersm~th, Chairman
Delegation, Palm Beach County
19$3
Page 2
there would be no need for centralization of control. In
addition, there would be no necessity for trying to fix something
which is already working.
I think we all resent "big brotherism." The states resent a loss
of autonomy to Federal Government, the county resents the loss of
autonomy to State Government, and certainly, local government
resents loss of autonomy to County Government. May I repeat,
there is every right and responsibility for an umbrella government
to set standards but takeover by an umbrella government of localized
control is wasteful and removes from the individual taxpayer close
control over matters which affect only him.
Your kind attention in reviewing these thoughts with me is appre-
ciated. To repeat, there is every reason for an umbrella govern-
ment to set standards, but the takeover of local activities that
are working to the satisfaction of the local taxpayer is unwarranted.
If you or any of your colleagues have any thoughts on the above,
I would be pleased to have them. I will see that they are brought
to the attention of the Town Commission and interested taxpayers.
• Sincerely,
.
Lo Y. Horton
May r
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TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
TOWN COMMISSION
• PUBLIC HEARING February 15, 1983
re Comprehensive Plan 5.O1 P M
Mayor Horton called the Public Hearing to order at 5:01 P.M. Those in
attendance were: Mayor Louis Y. Horton, Vice Mayor Mary Louise G.
Blosser, Commissioners John J. Basso, Edward J. Sullivan and Harry Walker..
Also in attendance were: Tom Sliney, Town Attorney; Elaine W. Roberts,
Town Manager, and Rita Ebersole, Deputy Town Clerk.
Mayor Horton read the advertisement which appeared in the newspaper on
February 8, 1983 for this Public Hearing regarding the Comprehensive
Plan. He advised the residents that copies of the Plan will be made
available every day for their perusal at the Town Hall until the next
Public Hearing which is scheduled for March 1, 1983 at 5:01 P.M.
Many residents, including Milton Steinhart, Doris Rome, Dr. Orman,
Judge Percy Peck, Otto Weiss, Mr. Milani, Mrs. Stewart, Mrs. Berger
and Mr. Dent expressed their opinion of the Plan.
Tom Sliney explained that the Comprehensive Plan is State mandated.
We are carrying out the State mandates and that is why the plan seems
• very general and not specific. The zoning is the next step of the
plan and will implement the Comprehensive Plan.
Mayor Horton announced the next Public Hearing will be held on
March 1, 1983 at 5:01 P.M. Public participation is invited.
MOTION by Commissioner Sullivan, seconded by Commissioner Walker to
ADJOURN. All agreed. Time 5:40 P_M.
APPROVED:
Louis Horton, Mayor
uise G. Blosser, Vice Mayor
ATTEST: pjyn -,
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Edward
Date : ~~~~ ~ 9, /~~3 AA
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Harry Wal
~, C mm~ssioner
an, ommissioner
Commissioner