2009.04.28_TC_Minutes_WorkshopTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, April 28, 2009 1:30 P.M.
Mayor Jim Newill, CPA called the Workshop Meeting to order in Commission Chambers at 1:30
P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Roll Call: Members present: Mayor Jim Newill, CPA; Vice Mayor Miriam S. Zwick;
Commissioner Doris M. Trinley; Commissioner John J. Sorrelli; and Commissioner John J.
Pagliaro. Also present: Town Attorney Tom Sliney; Town Manager Dale S. Sugerman; Town
Clerk Beverly M. Brown; and members of the public.
• Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was given, followed by a minute of silence in
honor of members of the military, both living and deceased.
Civility Pledge: The Civility Pledge was recited by the Town Clerk.
1. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
Agenda accepted as submitted.
2. PUBLIC COMIVIENTS AND REQUESTS
Joseph Yucht -Boca Highlands
Thanked the Commission for its actions yesterday. The Milani project has been a concern of
his for the last seven years, can now put his file away. Wanted to thank Vice Mayor Zwick
for including the cement wall. But, I am disappointed in the Town Manager and staff on the
conditions. They protected the turtles, Indians and County without any consideration of the
residents. Hope the Commission oversees keeping control of the conditions and not give that
authority away. Am also disappointed in lack of coverage by the Sun Sentinel.
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Apri128, 2009 Page 2 of 6
• 3. PRESENTATIONS
A) Local Government Investment Option Through the Florida Municipal Investment
Trust Jeannie Garner, Financial Services Director, Florida League of Cities and
Chip Reames, Atlanta Capital Management
Town Mana er Su erman -Recently the Town staff and I had an opportunity to view a
presentation sponsored by the Florida League of Cities (FLC) on the various investment
opportunities that the League offers through the Florida Municipal Investment Trust
(FMIvT). The League is offering a new product called the FMIT 0-2 Year High Quality
Bond Fund. We were impressed with the presentation made by the League, and have invited
representatives to come before the Commission to make a presentation on this new
investment vehicle. If the Commission is interested, the Commission would have to make an
application to see if they would accept the Town.
Jeannie Garner, Financial Services Director of Florida League of Cities and Jim Romack of
Atlantic Capital Management.
The Florida Municipal Investment Trust (FMIvT) was created in 1995 to allow local
governments to pool surplus and pension trusts in a variety of portfolios, utilizing economies
of scale. It is administered by the Florida League of Cities by contract and is a separate
independent legal entity. It is authorized under Florida Statutes Section 218.415 and is
• ~ governed by a Board of Trustees comprised of elected officials of local governments who are
members of the Trust. Membership Benefits: Can accommodate investments of all sizes;
frequent liquidity; high quality investment options; professional investment management;
extensive oversight; low fees; instant diversification; personalized service.
FMIvT provides diversification as required by Florida Statutes. The investment policy
provides for appropriate diversification of the investment portfolio. Investments held are
diversified to the extent practical to control the risk of loss resulting from over concentration
of assets in a specific maturity, issuer, instrument, dealer, or bank through which financial
instruments are bought and sold. No single strategy is right for all investors.
Mayor Newill questioned the expertise of the FMIvT Board of Trustees? Reply -the FMIvT
Board of Trustees cannot make any decisions without the authorization of the Investment
Advisory Committee, which is made up of professionals with financial backgrounds. The
Investment Manager can only purchase what is authorized. All purchases are AAA Rated.
Mana eg r Sugerman stated that we would continue to workshop this at a later date.
B) The 2007-2008 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) by Nowlen, Holt
& Miner, P.A.
Ed Holt of Nowlen, Holt & Minor, P.A. stated as of September 30, 2008 the Town of
• Highland Beach had total assets of $32,211,697; liabilities of $19,000,257 for total net assets
of $13,211,440. Balance Sheet indicates assets of $5,750,216; liabilities of $384,148 for a
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Apri128, 2009 Pale 3 of 6
• fund balance of $5,366,068. This fund balance is approximately an $880,000 increase from
the prior year.
Prior Year Comments -The rules of the Auditor General requires that we determine whether
or not corrective action have been taken to address significant findings and recommendations
made in the preceding year. The prior year comments were addressed by the Town and no
longer apply. This year, new standards were adopted. There are four new comments that are
not significant, but have to be included in writing.
Governmental Revenues -Total revenues decreased 3.7% over 2007. The decrease was due
primarily to a reduction in interest income from investments, coupled with a decrease in ad
valorem taxes. Governmental Expenditures -Total expenditures increased in 7.2% from
2007, with the increase due primarily to an increase in public safety expenditures. General
Fund Unreserved Fund Balance -General Fund unreserved, undesignated fund balance at
September 30, 2008 was $4,755,265. This represents approximately 52% of general fund
expenditures for 2007/2008. Water & Sewer Operations -Operating revenue increased
$141,696 in 2008 from the prior year and operating expenses increased $158,749 in 2008
from the prior year. Non-operating expenses increased $155,243 in 2008 from the prior year.
The increase was due primarily to an increase in interest expense on long-term debt.
Town Mana eg r Su eg rman -There is no formal action to be taken by the Town Commission.
If you would prefer, we can place the acceptance of the Report on the meeting agenda for the
• regular meeting of May 5~', however, the acceptance of the Report is not a requirement.
With the delivery of this Report, Nowlen, Holt & Miner will have completed their initial 3-
year contract with the Town. The Town Commission should give staff some direction on
how it would like to proceed with engaging an external auditor going forward.
4. BOARDS AND COMIVIITTEES
A) Board Correspondence
None
B) Board Action Report
None
C) Board Vacancies
Code Enforcement Board -Two unexpired terms
Planning Board -One three-year term
Interview of Talent Bank applicant -Paul Resnick
Paul Resnick stated that he was currently the Chair of the Code Enforcement
Board that will possibly be eliminated on July ls`. Has been a full time resident
of Highland Beach for the past six years. Enjoys volunteering in the community
and serving others.
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Anri128, 2009 Page 4 of 6
• Commissioner Pa liaro stated he served on the Code Enforcement Board with
Paul Resnick for two years, and he was very qualified.
Town Clerk Brown stated that she had received another application that morning.
The Commission stated that they would interview this additional applicant at the
next meeting and make an appointment after the interview.
D) Monthly Board Meetings
• Beaches & Shores Advisory Board -May 12th -Regular -Canceled
• Planning Board -May 13th -Regular -Canceled
• Bd. of Adjustment -May 19th -Regular - 9:30 A.M.
• Code Enforcement Board -May 20th -Regular - 9:30 A.M.
• Planning Board -May 21S` -Workshop - 9:30 A.M.
• Cultural Advisory -May 28th -Regular - 9:30 A.M.
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A) ORDINANCE NO. 09-003 O (Second Reading and Public Hearing 5/5/09)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, AMENDING ARTICLE V,
ENTITLED CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD OF CHAPTER 2 ENTITLED
ADMINISTRATION OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ESTABLISHING THE
• POSITION OF SPECIAL MAGISTRATE AS AN ALTERNATIVE CODE
ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE, WHICH SPECIAL MAGISTRATE SHALL HAVE THE
JURISDICTION AND AUTHORITY TO HEAR AND DECIDE ALLEGED VIOLATIONS
OF ALL CODES AND ORDINANCES OF THE TOWN; DISCHARGING THE
CURRENT CODE ENFORCEMENT BOARD ON JULY 1, 2009; PROVIDING A
CONFLICTS CAUSE, A SEVERABILITY CLAUSE, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE
Mayor Newill stated that this was on the agenda to receive any additional comments from the
Commission. Not receiving any, the second reading and public hearing will be held at the
May 5~', 2009 Regular Meeting.
6. NEW BUSINESS
A) Consideration of Placing a Town Ad in the Conference Issue of Quality Cities Magazine
Town Mana eg r Su eg rman - For the last few years, the Town of Highland Beach has placed a
congratulatory ad in the Conference issue of the Florida League of Cities Quality Cities
Magazine. The FLC has sent out their ad notice for this year's conference to be held in
Orlando August 13-15. To do the same full-page color ad previously done, will cost
$1,000.00. While the money is in the budget, I thought it best to put this item on the
workshop agenda for feedback from the members of the Commission.
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Apri128, 2009 Pa e 5 of 6
• Commissioner Trinley - We should continue to advertise, but consider a lh page ad.
Commissioner Pa liaro -Stay with the same ad. Vice Mayor Zwick -The 1h page ad is
$800.00.
Mayor Newill -Continue with afull-page color ad.
7) MISCELLANEOUS -ITEMS LEFT OVER
A) Minutes
March 13, 2009 -Special Meeting
March 31, 2009 -Workshop Meeting
Apri17, 2009 -Local Planning Agency
Apri17, 2009 -Regular Meeting
Minutes to be included on the May 5th consent agenda.
8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION
Commissioner John Pagliaro - No Report.
Commissioner John Sorrelli - No Report.
• ~ Commissioner Trinley - No Report.
Vice Mayor Zwick - No Report.
Mayor Newill -I have two items: 1) It recently came to my attention of a code violation in
the Bel Lido area. The violation has been uncovered and is being addressed. 2) Census - In
order to be sure that there is an accurate count in Highland Beach, I am going to appoint a
committee to ensure that there is an accurate count. I have appointed Lou Stern Chairman
and would like each Commissioner to make an appointment to this committee. The goal is to
develop activities to promote the importance of the census. I am requesting that each of the
Commissioners notify Zoie Burgess by Friday of their appointment.
9. REPORTS -TOWN ATTORNEY
No Report.
10. REPORTS -TOWN MANAGER
On Sunday, April 26a', the Center for Disease Control declared a public health emergency in
Mexico for swine flu. This was done as a precaution that will free up funds and allow health
officials to use medications and tests that aren't normally used. The flu cannot be caught by
eating pork. The Department of Agriculture is conducting tests to confirm that the food
supply is safe. The most common symptoms of the swine flu are fever, fatigue, lack of
• appetite and coughing, although some people also develop a runny nose, sore throat,
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
A~ri128, 2009 Page 6 of 6
conjunctivitis, vomiting or diarrhea. If you have these symptoms, the best thing to do is stay
home to avoid spreading your illness to other people. All individuals need to take
responsibility for their own safety. Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing,
wash hands often, and if you become ill contact your health provider. The Town is in daily
contact with Palm Beach County Emergency Management, and they are on a Level 3
monitoring situation.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
None
12. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO ITEMS DISCUSSED AT
MEETING
None
13. AD.TOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mayor Newill adjourned
the Workshop Meeting at 2:40 P.M. upon a MOTION by Commissioner Sorrelli seconded
by Commissioner Pa lg iaro.
APPROVE: c
•
ATTES
everly M. rown, MMC, Town Clerk
Date: '1
•
Jim Newi ,CPA, Mayor
~,
Mir' S. ~ wic is ayor
tl--c~.~. ~ ...
Doris M. Trinley, Commissioner
J. Sorrel ' Commissi
J J. Pa ar , Commissi er