2018.04.03_TC_Minutes_Regular TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
TOWN COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
Town Hall/Commission Chambers Date: April 3,2018
3614 South Ocean Boulevard Time: 1:30 PM
Highland Beach,Florida
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Carl Feldman called the Regular Meeting to order at 1:30 PM.
PRESENT UPON ROLL CALL:
Mayor Carl Feldman
Vice Mayor Alysen N.Nila
Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker
Commissioner Elyse Riesa
Commissioner Peggy Gossett-Seidman
Town Attorney Glen Torcivia
Town Manager Valerie Oakes
Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins
Pledge of Allegiance:
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Commission, followed by a moment of silence.
Civility Pledge:
Town Clerk Gaskins recited the Civility Pledge.
1. ADDITIONS,DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
Commissioner Zelniker added an item to the agenda regarding the Town Attorney's contract for
discussion prior to Public Comments and Requests. She requested the contract be changed to
read Pamala Ryan as Town Attorney and Brian Shutt as alternate attorney for the Town,
effective immediately.
Town Manager Oakes requested that Item 3B, Presentation of the Comprehensive Annual
Financial Report for the Fiscal Year ending September 2017, be moved to the April 24, 2018,
Town Commission Workshop Agenda.
Commissioner Riesa requested that the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal
Year ending September, 2017, be presented to the Financial Advisory Board at their next
meeting before the report was presented to the Commissioners.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 2 of 17
MOTION: Commissioner Riesa moved to present the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
for Fiscal Year ending September 2017, to the Financial Advisory Board. The motion was
seconded by Vice Mayor Nila.
Commission Discussion:
Vice Mayor Nila mentioned that it was imperative to utilize the advisory boards. When there is
an audit, the Financial Advisory Board should be the first to review the report before it is given
to the Commissioners.
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman agreed with Vice Mayor Nila and mentioned that the advisory
boards should be utilized more frequently.
Commissioner Riesa agreed that the Financial Advisory Board should be utilized more
frequently.
Commissioner Zelniker concurred with the Vice Mayor Nila, Commissioner Gossett-Seidman
and Commissioner Riesa.
Mayor Feldman disagreed and explained that the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report has
been done by the auditors. Finance Director Curtis explained that the Financial Advisory Board
members will be given a copy of the report today.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Mayor Feldman - No
Motion passed on a 4 to 1 vote.
Discussion to Appoint Pamala Ryan as the main Town Attorney and Appoint Brian Shutt
as the Alternate Attorney. (THIS ITEM WAS ADDED TO THE AGENDA)
Commissioner Zelniker stated sometimes change is good and gave her reason for requesting to
change the town attorney.
MOTION: Commissioner Zelniker moved to appoint Pamala Ryan as Town Attorney and Brian
Shutt as alternate attorney. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gossett-Seidman.
Commission Discussion:
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman agreed that change was good.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 3 of 17
Commissioner Riesa explained that it was in the best interest of the Town to get fresh eyes and
move forward with Attorney Pamala Ryan as the primary attorney.
Vice Mayor Nil a concurred with the Commissioner Zelniker, Commissioner Gossett-Seidman
and Commissioner Riesa.
Mayor Feldman was not in favor of this motion and explained the working history of Glen
Torcivia's law firm.
Town Attorney Glen Torcivia thanked the Commissioners for the opportunity to serve the Town
of Highland Beach. He spoke about Pamala Ryan's qualification and her extensive experience in
municipal government and indicated that she will be an exceptional Town Attorney for the Town
of Highland Beach. He was in full support of the motion on the floor.
Town Manager Oakes explained that the Town Attorney's Agreement needs to be amended to
remove Glen Torcivia's name and add Town Attorney Pamala Ryan to attend all Town
Commission meetings.
MOTION: Commissioner Zelniker moved to change the current Town Attorney contract to
read Pamala Ryan as main Town Attorney and Brian Shutt as the alternate attorney effective
immediately. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gossett-Seidman.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Mayor Feldman - No
Motion passed on a 4 to 1 vote.
Attorney Glen Torcivia left the dais. Town Attorney Pamala Ryan joined the meeting on the
dais.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS:
The following residents provided comments:
Carl Gehman
David Axelrod, Chair of Planning Board
Tim Burnich
John Ross
Anne Gehman
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 4 of 17
3. PRESENTATION/PROCLAMATIONS:
A)Water Conservation Month Proclamation
Town Clerk Gaskins read the Proclamation into the record.
B)Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for Fiscal Year Ending September 2017
By: Grau&Associates - (THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM THE AGENDA)
Vice Mayor Nil a stated that she had reviewed the report and suggested that the Town needed to
improve the standards as far as the documentation. She look forward to seeing a revised report.
Town Manager Oakes explained that changes cannot be made to the audit report. She would
meet with Vice Mayor Nila to discuss her questions and comments.
4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
Town Clerk Gaskins read Items 4A through 4D into the record.
A) Board Correspondence:
None.
B) Board Action Report:
None.
C) Board Vacancies:
Financial Advisory Board — Two (2) Vacancies: One Three Year Term and One Unexpired
Term Ending May 2018.
D) Monthly Board Meetings and Events:
Planning Board Meeting—April 11, 2018—9:30 AM
Town Commission Workshop Meeting—April 24,2018— 1:30 PM
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
A)ORDINANCE NO. 18-002 O
Town Clerk Gaskins read the title of Ordinance No. 18-002 O into the record.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND
BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 30 "ZONING", ARTICLE IV "ZONING
DISTRICTS", SECTION 30-68 "SUPPLEMENTAL DISTRICT REGULATIONS";
AMENDING ARTICLE VIII "DEFINITIONS", SECTION 30-131 "DEFINITIONS OF
TERMS", TO MODIFY THE REGULATIONS REGARDING STORING OF BOATS ON
BOAT LIFTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 5 of 17
OF LAWS IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING
FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Town Manager Oakes introduced this item.
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman gave a PowerPoint presentation on various types of boat lifts.
She explained that an ordinance may not be warranted, and suggested that a different approach
should be taken to protect the residents who need protection from their views being blocked.
David Axelrod. Chair of the Planning Board stated the only real complaints the Planning Board
received from residents about boat lifts was their view. They were told to go before the Town
Commission since the Planning Board had no power over the one complaint. The Town
Commission then gave it back to the Planning Board. If this ordinance was adopted, it does not
affect any current boat owners but would affect the new boat owners. This ordinance was to help
none boat owners.
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman asked about the residents who complained about their view, if
they reside on lower floor units and cannot see across the marina.
Commissioner Riesa spoke about the boats being lifted very high in the air and obstructing
views. She asked if there could there be some compromise in height restrictions that would
benefit both the boat owners and the residents. Mr. Axelrod explained that any number would
be satisfactory in terms of how high a boat could be out of the water as long as it was within
reason. He suggested this ordinance be tabled at this time since there was going to be a Planning
Board meeting on April 11th and that the Planning Board could revisit this issue. Commissioner
Gossett-Seidman explained that she will provide some information regarding boat lifts to the
Planning Board.
Commissioner Zelniker commented on her condominium complex, Regency Highland,
indicating that they have never had any problems with boaters. She mentioned that she had
received complaints from residents in the Bel Lido community about their views being
obstructed because of the boat lifts. This issue should be addressed by the different
condominium and homeowners associations.
Vice Mayor Nila explained that it was the Town Commission job to make sure that all residents
are taken into consideration. It was important to come to some type of compromise and have
something on the books that we can refer to.
Mayor Feldman spoke about the legality of the Town telling boat owners what size boat they can
put on their lift, which would determine just how high it would be out of the water.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 6 of 17
Public Comments:
Allen Teller, 4210 South Ocean Boulevard explained that about ten or more years ago there was
a lawsuit between the Town of Highland Beach and a resident regarding a boat lift and it cost the
Town a great deal of money.
John Boden, 3407 South Ocean Boulevard encouraged the Town Commission to stay away from
this issue.
Elliot Carp, 3215 South Ocean Boulevard mentioned that the wake zone on the intracoastal was
the main problem. The Town should try to work with the government to make it a no wake
zone.
Marty Salas, 2727 South Ocean Boulevard asked who determines why Delray Beach was a no
wake and Highland Beach is not. She explained Highland Beach should be made a no wake
zone. Town Attorney yan explained that the State and the Army Corp of Engineers are
involved in making the determination.
Mayor Feldman explained that former Commissioner Lou Stern investigated this possibility for
many years and was denied each time he requested.
Commissioner Riesa explained the history regarding the Town trying to make the Intracoastal
Waterway a no wake zone. She suggested that the Town should look into this again.
Commissioner Zelniker mentioned that there was a manatee zone by Regency Highland. She
suggested this may be a way to go with regards to the environmental aspect.
Mayor Feldman suggested looking into the historical data regarding the lawsuit. Town Manager
Oakes mentioned that she will look into lawsuit.
MOTION: Commissioner Riesa moved to send Item 5A, Ordinance No. 18-002 O back to the
Planning Board for their recommendations. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Zelniker.
Town Attorney Ran mentioned that she would research height restrictions imposed by other
municipalities, and bring back to the Town Commission at the April 24, 2018, Workshop
meeting.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Mayor Feldman - Yes
Motion passed on a 5 to 0 vote.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 7 of 17
6. CONSENT AGENDA:
Town Clerk Gaskins read Item 6A into the record.
A) Approval of Meeting Minutes:
o February 27, 2018—Workshop Minutes
o March 6, 2018—Regular Minutes
The Consent Agenda was approved as presented, unanimously.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
Town Clerk Gaskins read item 7A into the record.
A) Consideration of Establishing a Vetting Process for Board Applicants.
Town Manager Oakes presented this item.
Vice Mayor Nila spoke about the vetting process. She explained that the chairperson of each
Town Board knows best as to the type of person and talent they are looking for. The
Commission will make the final decision.
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman agreed with the vetting process.
Commissioner Riesa also agreed with the vetting process.
Commissioner Zelniker agreed with the vetting process and would like to see the application
updated.
Mayor Feldman provided comments regarding the vetting process and re-appointment of board
members. He was not in favor of the vetting process. He explained that the Town Commission
should be interviewing the applicants at the Commission meeting.
MOTION: Vice Mavor Nila moved to have the chairperson of each Town Board do the initial
vetting of applicants and also the re-appointment of board members. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Riesa.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Mayor Feldman - No
Motion passed on a 4 to 1 vote.
Town Clerk Gaskins read Item 7B into the record.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 8 of 17
B) Consideration of Mandatory Attendance at all Town Commission Meetings by Each
Board Chair or an Alternate Board Member.
Town Manager Oakes presented this item.
Vice Mayor Nila mentioned that it was imperative that the advisory board Chair, or an alternate,
be at the Town Commission meetings and be informed as to what is going on. There should be
a representative of all boards at each meeting and the attendance needs to be enforced. As far as
the monetary intent, this should be part of the stipend they receive for attending the board
meetings.
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman concurred that a board member needs to attend the Commission
meetings. It would be helpful if the board members can rotate to attend the meetings.
Commissioner Riesa concurred with Vice Mayor Nila and Commissioner Gossett-Seidman. She
suggested the Chair or alternate attend when there is an item on the agenda that would be a
covered subject for that particular board.
Commissioner Zelniker agreed with the Commissioners. She stated it should be listed on the
application that they occasionally would be required to attend a Commission meeting, which
would be part of their responsibilities.
Mayor Feldman suggested the Chair or alternate member be required to attend the meeting only
if an item relating to their board was on the agenda, and they should be informed in advance.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Nila moved to make it mandatory for the advisory board's Chairperson
or alternate to attend both Commission meetings. The stipend is to be included in the original
board payment that they receive, nothing additional. They will be held to the same attendance
record; missing three consecutive meetings would be an automatic removal from the board. The
Town Attorney is given direction to draft a resolution. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Zelniker.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Mayor Feldman - No
Motion passed on a 4 to 1 vote.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 9 of 17
Town Clerk Gaskins read Item 7C into the record.
C) Consideration of Establishing the Beaches & Shores Advisory Board.
Town Manager Oakes introduced this item.
Commissioner Riesa provided comments regarding the Beaches and Shores Advisory Board
when she was a member as well as the Chair, and the reason the board was disbanded and the
Beaches and Shores Club was formed. She strongly encourages the Town Commission to
reinstate the Beaches and Shores Advisory Board.
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman concurred with the Commissioner Riesa.
Commissioner Zelniker also concurred with Commissioner Riesa and commented on the
environmental issues that could be addressed by forming the board.
Vice Mayor Nila concurred with the Commissioners. She stated the focus should be on
researching grants for beach replenishment, dune restoration, and cleaning the mangroves.
Mayor Feldman provided comments regarding the Beaches and Shores Club and the great job
that they were doing. He explained that he was not in favor of having the Beaches and Shores
Advisory Board and the Commission should support the Beaches and Shores Club.
Town Manager Oakes asked whether the board would be an Environmental Board or Beaches
and Shores Advisory Board. The Town Attorney would need direction when preparing the
resolution for the board as to what requirements are to be outlined. Town Manager Oakes
explained that the Town Commission would have to determine the number of board members
and the process. Also, funds would have to be transferred to cover the stipend cost for the new
board members.
Manor Feldman questioned whether or not the Beaches and Shores Club would be disbanded.
Town Manager Oakes explained that the Beaches and Shores Club was not a part of the Town,
but the Town was financially supporting it.
Commissioner Riesa commented on the fact that the Environmental Advisory Board and the
Beaches and Shores Club could work together regarding grants, beach restoration, and
environmental issues.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 10 of 17
MOTION: Commissioner Riesa moved to direct the Town Attorney to draft a resolution to
establish an Environmental Advisory Board, which would incorporate those items that are
currently in the previous Beaches and Shores Advisory Board resolution and also include grants.
The motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Nila.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Mayor Feldman - No
Motion passed on a 4 to 1 vote.
MOTION: Commissioner Riesa moved to have the funds pledged to the Beaches and Shores
Club in the amount of$2,000 be redirected to the Environmental Advisory Board going forward.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Zelniker.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Mayor Feldman - No
Motion passed on a 4 to 1 vote.
MOTION: Commissioner Riesa moved to transfer $700.00 to the Professional Fees line item.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Zelniker.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Mayor Feldman - No
Motion passed on a 4 to 1 vote.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 11 of 17
Commissioner Zelniker asked the Town Commission to consider Item 8C,Discussion on
Streetscape Project,Miscellaneous—Items Left Over at this point.
Town Clerk Gaskins read Item 8C into the record.
Item 8C) MISCELLANEOUS—ITEMS LEFT OVER:
C) Discussion on Streetscape Project.
Town Manager Oakes presented this item.
Commissioner Riesa suggested calling the Streetscape Project the Walkway Beautification
Project. She mentioned that everything should go before the Planning Board for their
recommendations. She was in favor of an overlay and does not want the patchwork.
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman suggested that the walkway be done during the offseason. We
need to move forward with the Planning Board and does not see a reason to delay.
Commissioner Zelniker asked Finance Director Curtis how much money was in the penny surtax
that could be used the complete overlay. Finance Director Curtis explained that the funds could
be used to do the overlay. Commissioner Zelniker stated she wanted to task the Planning Board
to work with the Town Manager and the Town Attorney on the future walkway project.
Vice Mayor Nila explained that the way to go was with the overlay, and it should be done as
soon as possible.
Mayor Feldman questioned the thickness of the overlay. Public Works Director Edward Soper
explained the lineage overlay process. The width of the walk path was five (5) feet and it would
be maintained.
Discussion ensued regarding the replacement of the existing sidewalk. Public Works Director
Soper would bring back the proposal to the Town Commission for their review and approval at a
future Commission meeting.
MOTION: Commissioner Zelniker moved to have a complete overlay using the penny surtax
and be done during the summer. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Gossett-Seidman.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Mayor Feldman - Yes
Motion passed on a 5 to 0 vote.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 12 of 17
MOTION: Commissioner Zelniker moved to task the Planning Board with the new project and
to come up with a new name inclusive of all suggestions brought up by the residents at the
Streetscape Project meeting. The Planning Board has to work with the Town Manager, staff,
Town Attorney, Finance Director, Public Works Director and whomever they deem necessary.
The Planning Board will open their meetings to the public for their comments. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Riesa.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Mayor Feldman - Yes
Motion passed on a 5 to 0 vote.
The Town Commission resumed New Business:
Town Clerk Gaskins read item 7H into the record.
7H) Consideration to Purchase a 2017 John Deere Off-Road Vehicle for the Public Works
Department:
Town Manager Oakes presented this item.
Commission Discussion:
Vice Mayor Nila questioned why this model was chosen. Public Works Director Soper gave an
explanation regarding the off-road vehicle. Discussion ensued regarding the different types of
models available. Public Works Director Soper will research a better model and bring this item
back at the April 24, 2018, Commission Workshop meeting.
Town Clerk Gaskins read Item 7D into the record.
7D) Consideration of Re-activating the Code Enforcement Board.
Town Manager Oakes introduced this item.
MOTION: Commissioner Riesa moved to re-activate the Code Enforcement Board. The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Zelniker.
Commission Discussion:
Vice Mayor Nila stated 60 days was too long to enact the Code Enforcement Board.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 13 of 17
Commissioner Riesa mentioned she would like to give the Town Manager and Town Attorney
time to put this together.
Commissioner Zelniker asked the Code Enforcement Board to review existing codes, and make
recommendations relevant to the environment.
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman concurred.
Mayor Feldman explained the reason for eliminating the Code Enforcement Board and having
the Special Magistrate.
Discussion ensued regarding the role of the Code Enforcement Board.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Commissioner Feldman - No
Motion passed on a 4 to 1 vote.
MOTION: Commissioner Riesa moved to authorize the Town Manager to provide notice to
both Special Magistrates 30 days prior to June 6, 2018. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Mayor Feldman - Yes
Motion passed on a 5 to 0 vote.
Town Clerk Gaskins read 7E into the record.
7E) Consideration of Implementing a Process for Reading Written Communication at
Public Meetings.
Town Manager Oakes introduced this item.
Commission Discussion:
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman was in favor of this item, and explained that there should be
some type of editing.
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 14 of 17
Commissioner Riesa and Commissioner Zelniker both concurred.
Vice Mayor Nila concurred as well.
Mayor Feldman questioned if letters or emails coming from other towns should be read at the
meeting. Town Attorney yan suggested that they be pertinent to Town of Highland Beach
issues. Commissioner Riesa agreed.
Discussion ensued regarding non-resident emails and/or letters being read at the Commission
Meetings. Letters should be addressed to the Commission and specified that they are read at the
meeting and limited to residents; part-time for full-time.
MOTION: Commissioner Riesa moved to authorize the Town Attorney to prepare a resolution
indicating that letters received specifically requesting they be read should be read into the record.
Those letters that are received in time will be included in the Agenda Packets and if not, they
will be distributed to the Commission as soon as they are received. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Zelniker.
UPON ROLL CALL:
Commissioner Riesa - Yes
Commissioner Zelniker - Yes
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman - Yes
Vice Mayor Nila - Yes
Mayor Feldman - Yes
Motion passed on a 5 to 0 vote.
Town Clerk Gaskins read Item 7F into the record.
7F) Consideration of Modifying the Town Commission Meeting Schedule.
Town Manager Oakes introduced this item.
MOTION: Vice Mayor Nila moved to have the Workshop Meetings be held in the evening
starting at 6:30 PM for approximately three months beginning in the fall months. Commissioner
Zelniker seconded the motion with a modification.
Commission Discussion:
Commissioner Zelniker suggested to try one night meeting.
Commissioner Gossett-Seidman suggested to try one night meeting in the fall, send emails and
regular mail to all residents advising them of the meeting.
Commissioner Riesa suggested to have nightly meetings for special activities that would involve
the Planning Board or Beaches and Shores Advisory Board rather than a Workshop or Regular
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 15 of 17
Commission meeting. She was not in favor of night meetings unless there is a special event or
topic such as the walkway or environmental issues.
Mayor Feldman was not in favor of night meetings. The meetings are broadcast on Channel 99
for the residents to see.
Discussion ensued regarding special meetings and mailings to the residents to inform them of
these meetings. It was the consensus of the Commission to task the Town staff with scheduling a
night meeting in the fall based on the subject matter.
7G: Consideration of Responding to Public Comments at Meetings.
Town Manager Oakes introduced this item.
Commission Discussion:
Commissioner Riesa requested that when a resident poses a question at the podium, there should
be a two-week time frame for the Town Manager to respond to that question.
Vice Mayor Nil a agreed with Commissioner Riesa. She explained that the resident speaking at
the podium should be acknowledged by the Town Commission with some type of gesture, such
as thank you for your time.
Town Manager Oakes explained that she does make it a priority to respond to residents whether
it be at the meeting if the information is available, the next meeting in her report or at an
individual meeting with the resident.
8. MISCELLANEOUS—ITEMS LEFT OVER:
Town Clerk Gaskins read Item 8A into the record.
A) Consideration to Appoint Neil Eisenband to the Financial Advisory Board to Serve a Three
(3) Year Term Ending April 2021.
Discussion ensued regarding Neil Eisenband's appointment to the Financial Advisory Board. At
the last meeting, Vice Mayor Nila requested that the Chairperson of each advisory board meet
with the applicants prior to being interviewed by the Town Commission. Town Manager Oakes
explained that staff would inform Greg Babij, Chair of the Financial Advisory Board that he is to
set up a meeting with Neil Eisenband and then bring it back to the Commission at a future
meeting.
B) Consideration to Re-appoint Thomas"Tim" Burnich to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals
to Serve a Three (3) Year Term Ending April 2021. (THIS ITEM WAS REMOVED FROM
THE AGENDA.)
Town Commission Regular Minutes
Date: April 3,2018
Page 16 of 17
C) Discussion on Streetscape Project. (This item was discussed and voted on earlier in the
meeting.)
9. REPORTS—TOWN COMMISSION:
A) Commissioner Peggy Gossett-Seidman had no report.
B) Commissioner Elyse Riesa requested that the Town Manager supply Town Commissioners
with some additional status on Florida Power & Light (FP&L) and Florida Department of
Transportation(FDOT).
C) Commissioner Rhoda Zelniker asked the Town Attorney if Town Hall meetings can be
held in the evening at another location such as condominium board meetings or homeowners
associations that would not involve staff. Town Attorney Ryan explained the process. All
public meetings must be open to the public and easily accessible to the public.
D) Vice Mayor Alysen A. Nila had no report.
E) Mayor Carl Feldman had no report.
10. REPORTS—TOWN ATTORNEY PAMALA RYAN:
Town Attorney Ryan thanked the Commission for their vote of confidence and is looking
forward to working with each of the Commissioners.
11. REPORTS—TOWN MANAGER VALERIE OAKES:
April 14"' is National Library Day. The Highland Beach Library is our gem and we thank the
Library Director and her staff for all the work they do to help the residents.
12. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO AGENDA ITEMS:
There were no public comments.
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Date: April 3,2018
Page 17 of 17
13. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Mayor Feldman adjourned the meeting at 5:33 PM.
APPROVED:
C-al yor,
Commissioner
Commissioner
ATTEST:
:La elda Gaskins,MMC