2018.12.12_PB_Minutes_Regular� e
• TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
PLANNING BOARD MINUTES
Town Hall / Commission Chambers Date: December 12, 2018
3614 South Ocean Boulevard Time: 9:30 AM
Highland Beach, Florida
1. CALL TO ORDER:
Chairperson David Axelrod called the Regular Meeting to order at 9:30 AM.
PRESENT UPON ROLL CALL:
Board Member Barry Donaldson
Board Member Evelyn Weiss
Board Member Peter Rodis
Board Member John Boden
Vice Chairperson Michael Kravit
Chairperson David Axelrod
Town Attorney Brian Shutt
Deputy Town Clerk Terisha Cuebas
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Board Member Warren Lewis
The Board Members led the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:
Chairperson Axelrod requested to add an update on Ocean Walk and More based upon
the Public Design Workshop held on December 5, 2018. He added the following items:
Discussion Regarding Burying of Utility Wires as Item 6.13. L.
Update by Vice Mayor Alysen A. Nila on the Recent Telephone Conference Call with the
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) as Item 6.13.2.
MOTION: Vice Chairperson Kravit moved to accept the agenda as amended. Member
Weiss seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS:
There were no public comments.
Planning Board Regular Minutes
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Page 2 of 7
4. PRESENTATIONS:
A. Update Regarding the Strategic Plan
By: Town Manager Labadie
Town Manager Labadie provided a presentation with regard to the strategic plan that the
Town previously adopted and his approach to the Strategic Plan going forward. He
reviewed the Town's mission and vision statement and provided comments with regard to
the content of the statements. He highlighted the importance of determining core
competencies, goals and objectives and how they can be integrated into the strategic plan
model. He commented on the dynamic process and how the strategic plan should be
reviewed on an annual basis by the Planning Board and Town Commission. Town
Manager Labadie presented an overview about the department plan, his customer service
warranty and outlined the importance of everyone being engaged throughout the process.
5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
A. November 14, 2018 - Regular Meeting
Chairperson Axelrod asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of November 14,
2018.
MOTION: Member Rodis moved to accept the minutes from November 14, 2018 as
presented. Member Boden seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
6. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Review and Approve the Comprehensive Plan Coastal Management Element.
Mary McKinney, Town Planner presented this item. She introduced Mary Minor from
Urban Design Kilday Studio and he provided an overview of the changes that were
incorporated into the Comprehensive Plan Coastal Management Element.
Mr. Minor advised that the Coastal Management Element had been updated to include
four revised goals and included four additional goals for consideration. Mr. Minor
provided a brief background regarding the Coastal Management Element of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Member Boden suggestion that each time sea -level rise appears in the document,
flooding or cause of flooding should be incorporated as well. He requested the inclusion
of allowing impervious surfaces wherever and whenever it is feasible and the use of rain
sensors on all irrigation systems.
Member Weiss questioned the statement with regard to the Town encouraging boat
owners to reduce the speed in the Town's waterways and how the enforcement of that
policy will happen. Mr. Minor explained that the Town does not control the waterways
but the Town may have discussions with the state and federal agencies to provide
feedback and recommendations.
Planning Board Regular Minutes
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Page 3 of 7
Member Kravit provided comments about the state requirement for rain sensors and the
necessity of accurately defining the sea -level rise and flooding throughout the document.
He also advised that the document refers to federal and state agencies for sea -level rise
criteria, however, the amount of sea -level rise that is reported from the agencies are
largely different. He suggested there should be clarification as to which information or
facts the Town is going to use.
Member Donaldson provided comments about to periodic flooding and the issues within
the Town specifically. He mentioned that the document refers to maps such as the land
use map and high -hazard zone maps, which he suggested should be included. He
suggested that more specific guidelines to be included with regard to stormwater and run-
off collection. He asked if the Coastal Management Element as written meets all the
relevant items as outlined in Florida Statute 163.3178 — Coastal Management. Mr. Minor
advised that the Coastal Management Element as written does address the elements
outlined that address sea -level rise. Member Donaldson also provided comments about
the City of Delray Beach's map and the inclusion of the area from the Atlantic Ocean
through to the other side of the Intercoastal, when the Town's element only refers to
properties east of AIA. He suggested further looking into the accuracy of the areas
outlined and policies regarding on site retention, the establishment of green building
certification standards, and the removal of the policy that states the Town will promote
compact mixed-use development.
Vice Chairperson Kravit provided remarks about the Green Building guidelines and
certification process. He suggested the statements included should focus on energy
conservation and sustainability issues, which are raised within the Florida Building Code.
Chairperson Axelrod raised the concern that the Coastal Element as written, does not
include anything with regard to beach re -nourishment and the maintenance of the
beaches. Vice Chairperson Kravit commented on the beach re -nourishment programs and
how some areas outlined in South Florida are referred to as come -and -go beaches, which
means during certain times the sand is removed but the sand is then replaced during a
different cycle of the ocean. He advised that the Town might not want to incorporate
policies about beach re -nourishment when the beach will ultimately take care of itself.
Chairperson Axelrod clarified that he is not saying to incorporate beach re -nourishment
into the Coastal Element but rather a study be done to see if beach re -nourishment is a
feasible option to Highland Beach.
MOTION: Member Rodis made a motion to continue to a date certain of January 9,
2019 at 9:30AM. Member Donaldson seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
B. Update on Ocean Walk and More Based Upon the Public Design Workshop.
(THIS ITEM WAS ADDED TO THE AGENDA)
Chairperson Axelrod provided an update with regard to the Public Design Workshop held
by the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council (TCRPC) on December 5, 2018.
Member Donaldson further explained the process and what the upcoming workshop will
entail.
Planning Board Regular Minutes
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Page 4 of 7
Chairperson Axelrod advised that the issue of drainage and the need for a better
stormwater system was the number one goal on the list for all mostly all participants that
were in attendance at the workshop.
1. Discussion Regarding Burying of Utilities Wires. (THIS ITEM WAS ADDED TO
THE AGENDA)
Chairperson Axelrod asked for comments from the board members regarding their
opinion of burying the utility wires.
Member Rodis supports burying the utility wires underground.
Member Donaldson advised that the design workshop outlined the pros and cons of
overhead and underground utilities. He stated that he supports the burying of utilities
wires as it increases property values and reliability.
Vice Chairperson Kravit supports burying the utility wires underground as it will increase
the property values and is aesthetically pleasing.
Member Weiss explained that other communities have successfully buried their wires.
She stated that it has increased the property values and everyone is extremely satisfied.
She supports burying the utility wires in Highland Beach.
Member Boden advised that the financial cost of burying the utilities is expensive and
raised the concern that the cost may deter the passing of the overall project.
Chairperson Axelrod provided comments with regard to the difficulty to provide
maintenance to underground wires and gave an example of a community that suffered
from salt -water corrosion in the underground wiring system due to a hurricane. He stated
that the price to bury the wires underground is only the cost estimate for Florida Power
and Light (FP&L) and does not include the costs for the other utilities. He advised that
when walking the walk path, most of the wires are not visible and the only ones that are
noticeable are the ones that cross AIA. He suggested that the referendum language that is
included on the ballot should include three (3) choices for the voter, so that the entire
project would not be subject to fail if the residents are not in support of burying the wires.
Member Donaldson provided comments with regard to the finances associated with the
project..He stated the final numbers have not been determined yet and it is too early to
draw conclusions regarding costs.
Chairperson Axelrod questioned Town Manager Labadie regarding the timeline for the
referendum language to be approved by the Town Commission in order for it to be
included on the March 12th Election ballot. Town Manager Labadie advised the Town
Commission would be discussing the language and costs at the upcoming Town
Commission Special Meeting on December 18, 2018.
Member Rodis questioned if Town Manager Labadie believed there is enough
information available to come to a determination of costs. Town Manager Labadie
advised that there is enough information. He explained that the referendum language will
Planning Board Regular Minutes
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Page 5 of 7
include. not to exceed costs, which means the Town does not have to spend all the funds
allocated but cannot exceed the amount that may be approved by the voters.
Vice Chairperson Kravit advised it is important as to how the information is presented to
the public with regard to financial obligations.
2. Update by Vice Mayor Alysen A. Nila on the Recent Telephone Conference Call
with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). (THIS ITEM WAS
ADDED TO THE AGENDA)
Vice Mayor Nila provided an update regarding the recent telephone conference call with
FDOT. She outlined the discussions and negotiations that took place. She explained that
FDOT has been cooperative and supportive with the vision Highland Beach has for the
Town. She advised that FDOT's lead project manager assigned to Highland Beach was
in attendance at the public design workshop.
Chairperson Axelrod advised that FDOT stated that they are willing to embed the
crosswalk lighting into the street.
Vice Mayor Nila provided comments with regard to FDOT and their cooperation to
coordinate with the Town to have temporary crosswalk signage installed prior to the
finalized crosswalk lighting being installed once A 1 A is repaved in 2021 or 2022.
Planning Board Regular Minutes
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Page 6 of 7
7. NEW BUSINESS:
A. Application No. 18-1006 — 4008 South Ocean Boulevard
CONSIDERATION OF A SITE PLAN APPROVAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
BOATLIFT, LOCATED AT SUBJECT PROPERTY, 4008 SOUTH OCEAN BLVD,
HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA. THE PROPERTY IS LOCATED ON THE WEST SIDE
OF SOUTH OCEAN BOULEVARD. THE PROPERTY AT 4008 SOUTH OCEAN BLVD
IS ZONED RML, RESIDENTIAL MULTIPLE FAMILY LOW DENSITY AND IS BEING
REVIEWED PER TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH CODE SECTION 30-68,
SUPPLEMENTAL DISTRICT REGULATIONS.
APPLICANT: David Powell
Chairperson Axelrod read the title into the record. At this time, Deputy Town Clerk
Cuebas swore in members of the public that would be providing testimony on the
application.
Chairperson Axelrod asked if any other Board members had any ex -parte
communications to disclose. Hearing none, the public hearing opened at 10:59 AM.
Staff s Presentation:
Town Planner McKinney presented the item to the Board. She advised the plans do
comply with the Town's Code of Ordinances and staff recommends approval of the
application.
Petitioner's Presentation:
David Powell, Applicant, introduced himself to the Board and asked if any members had
any questions. No members had any questions.
Public Comments:
Commissioner Zelniker, President of Regency Highland Condominium Association,
advised that on behalf of the Board members at Regency Highland Condominium
Association, they have no issues with installation of the boatlift.
Board Discussion:
Member Lewis questioned if the request has any special exceptions. Town Planner
McKinney advised it does not.
Chairperson Axelrod closed the public hearing at 11:03 AM.
MOTION: Member Rodis moved to approve Application No. 18-1006, subject to the
conditions in the report. Member Weiss seconded the motion.
Planning Board Regular Minutes
Wednesday, December 12, 2018 Page ? of 7
UPON ROLL CALL:
Member Rodis -
Yes
Member Weiss -
Yes
Member Donaldson -
Yes
Member Boden -
Yes
Vice Chairperson Kravit -
Yes
Chairperson Axelrod -
Yes
Motion passed on a 6-0 vote.
Vice Chairperson Kravit questioned the Building Department staff with regard to the
turnaround time for applicants to receive comments on building permit applications.
Mark McKinney, Town Planner, advised that applicants have been receiving comments
based upon submitted building permit applications within a 2 -5 -day time period. Vice
Chairperson Kravit asked what is the current processing time for the issuance of the
building permit. Ms. McKinney advised based upon the type of permit the processing
time is anywhere from 1-5 days. Vice Chairperson Kravit asked for confirmation that the
Town is not violating the state statute for residential permits. Ms. McKinney confirmed
that was correct.
8. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Chairperson Axelrod called for a motion to adjourn the
meeting at 11:06 AM.
MOTION: Member Donaldson moved to adjourn the meeting. Member Weiss
seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.
APPROVED at the January 9, 2019 Plannin;
ATTEST:
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Transcribed by: Terisha Cuebas
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