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2019.02.26_TC_Minutes_Workshopoff. �IGHlq�4 rte' t t kt.ELjia ., TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH TOWN COMMISSION WORKSHOP MINUTES Town Hall / Commission Chambers 3614 South Ocean Boulevard Highland Beach, Florida CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Zelniker called the Workshop Meeting to order at 1:30 PM. PRESENT UPON ROLL CALL: Mayor Rhoda Zelniker Vice Mayor Alysen Nila Commissioner Elyse Riesa Commissioner Peggy Gossett -Seidman Commissioner Barry Donaldson Town Attorney Pamala Ryan Town Manager Marshall Labadie Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins Date: February 26, 2019 Time: 1:30 PM Pledge of Allegiance: The Commission led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence. 1. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA: Commissioner Gossett -Seidman added "The future of Treasure Coast Planning Council" as Item 7G under New Business. Mayor Zelniker asked to delete the following items: 7C. Discussion of Additional Rules Governing Commissioners and Appointments by Commissioner Riesa. The consensus was a 3 to 2 vote to keep this item on the agenda. 7D. Discussion on Employee Health Benefits by Commissioner Riesa. The consensus was a 3 to 2 vote to remove this item from the agenda. 7E. Discussion on Modifying the Agreement with Brandano Display, Inc. for Holiday Lighting and Decorations by Commissioner Riesa. The consensus was a 5 to 0 vote to keep this item on the agenda. Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 PaLre 2 of 14 The agenda was accepted as amended. 2. CIVILITY PLEDGE: Town Clerk Gaskins read the Pledge of Civility int the record. 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS: The following residents spoke at the meeting and they were in opposition of the Ocean Walk and More Project/Referendum: Jack Halpern Jane Perlow Dr. William Weitz David Axelrod, Chairperson of the Planning Board Due to the nature of the public comments, Town Attorney Ryan read the 2012 Resolution regarding campaign free zones into the record. Alan Polin commented that this resolution violates the freedom of speech in the constitution. Evalyn David John Ross Jeffrey Sandalman James Karabec Pam Westberg Jason Brodsky Ron Reame Steve Rosen Jack Halpern John Boden Janet Friedman Judy Adwar Doug Hillman Diane Matthewman commented on the Beach Raking ordinance and the Parking ordinance. She requested signs be posed on the side streets "No Beach Parking at any time". 4. PRESENTATIONS/PROCLAMATIONS: None. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES: A) Board Action Reports: 1. Financial Advisory Board Chairperson Babf provided comments regarding the February 6, 2019 meeting. The members discussed the recommendations and voted Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 Page 3 of 14 on each one individually. A copy of the Board Action Report was included in the agenda packet. 2. Natural Resource Preservation Advisory Board Member Jack Halpern provided comments regarding the February 21, 2019 meeting. Earth Day 2019 will be represented at the Spring Fling Event on March 23rd. He explained the motions that were passed at the meeting and a copy of the Board Action Report was included in the agenda packet. B) Board Vacancies/Interviews: 1. Board of Adjustment and Appeals Board — One (1) Vacancy for a Three -Year Term 2. Code Enforcement Board — One (1) Vacancy for a Three -Year Term 3. Financial Advisory Board — One Reappointment for a Three -Year Term 4. Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board — Two (2) Vacancies: One (1) Three -Year Term and One (1) Unexpired Term Ending July 2021. C) Upcoming Monthly Meetings and Events: 1. Town Commission Regular Meeting — March 5, 2019 — 130 PM 2. Highland Beach Municipal Election Day — March 12, 2019 — 7:00 AM — 7:00 PM 3. Tentative Meeting for Planning Board — March 14, 2019 — 9:30 AM 4. Spring Fling Community Event — March 23, 2019 — 11:00 AM — 2:00 PM 5. Town Commission Workshop Meeting — March 26, 2019 — 1:30 PM Discussion ensued regarding the re -appointment of Greg Babij to the Financial Advisory Board. This item will be placed on the March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting under Miscellaneous — Items Left Over for discussion. 5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS: Town Clerk Gaskins read the Proposed Ordinance title into the record. A. PROPOSED ORDINANCE / CODE CITATION PROCESS AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 1 "GENERAL PROVISIONS" SECTION 1-9 "GENERAL PENALTY" BY PROVIDING FOR CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE; AMENDING CHAPTER 2 "ADMINISTRATION", ARTICLE V "BOARDS AND COMMITTEES", BY ENACTING DIVISION 5 "SUPPLEMENTAL CODE COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES", TO PROVIDE A CODE CITATION PROCESS; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF LAWS IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Manager Labadie introduced this item. Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 4of14 He provided comments regarding the revisions to the proposed ordinance and explained that Town Attorney Ryan and Police Chief Hartmann reviewed the initial ordinance and modified the civil penalties provisions. The revised version presents two classes of violations; Class I civil penalties set at $175 and Class II civil penalties set at $350 with a maximum fine of $350. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Donaldson referred to Page 2 — Item A and asked for clarification regarding the word "Court". Town Attorney Ryan explained that it is up to the discretion of the police officer to either send the code violation to the Code Enforcement Board or to court for possible arrest. A code officer can only issue a citation. A Police officer has the right to arrest. Commissioner Donaldson referred to Page 3 — Item D10. Town Attorney yan provided an explanation regarding compliance. Commissioner Donaldson referred to Page 4 — Maximum civil penalty of $500. Town Attorney Ryan explained it is a local item. Commissioner Gossett -Seidman commented on photos she received from a resident showing contractors dumping paint, oil and construction debris into the storm sewer. This ordinance will allow a greater enforcement to prevent this from happening. She asked if this could be explained and placed in the Highlander. Town Attorney Ryan explained with the new ordinance, if a Police officer sees a contractor dumping illegally, he can arrest them immediately. Commissioner Riesa asked that the agenda state which Commissioner is proposing an ordinance. She is concerned about an ordinance that has the words `.`criminal penalties". The residents have not had time to comment on this ordinance and would like to hear from them as well as the Code Enforcement Board's comments before voting. She questioned how citations are being handled today and asked for clarification; especially with repetitive citations. Town Manager Labadie explained the current code violation process. This ordinance helps the Town opt the long length of the process. If there are repetitive citations, this issue goes before the Code Enforcement Board which is the quasi-judicial board, and they have'the ability to issue set fines. Commissioner Riesa asked what would be the next step if this person still refuses to comply even after being issued fines by the Code Enforcement Board. Town Manager Labadie explained that if this continues, liens can be placed on the property and have the court force action upon the property owner to comply. He referred to Commissioner Riesa's comment regarding the Code Enforcement Board reviewing this ordinance explaining that the Commission would have to direct this ordinance to go to the Code Enforcement Board for an opinion. Police Chief Craig Hartmann explained that this ordinance has been reviewed and is appropriate. Working with compliance is the goal rather than issuing citations. This ordinance is for the extreme cases which are rare in the Town. Commissioner Riesa questioned why the ordinances do not go before the Code Enforcement Board initially for review. Town Attorney Ryan explained that it is unusual to have the board that will be interpreting the ordinance discuss the ordinance. She did forward the ordinance to the attorney for the Code Enforcement Board. If a person contests the citation, they will go to the Code Enforcement Board. Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 5of14 This ordinance will be placed on the March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting Agenda. B. PROPOSED ORDINANCE / ON STREET PARKING Town Clerk Gaskins read the Proposed Ordinance / Street Parking into the record. AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 16 "MOTOR VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC", ARTICLE I "IN GENERAL", BY MODIFYING THE CURRENT REGULATIONS TO REMOVE OUTDATED PROVISIONS AND TO ALLOW FOR ON STREET PARKING IN CERTAIN SITUATIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF LAWS IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Manager Labadie introduced this item and explained the additions to the ordinance. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Donaldson addressed Page 3, Section 16-6 regarding parking on private property in any area which is not an approved parking space by the Town. He had a concern regarding someone parking .on the grass for a legitimate reason and suggested have a written permission for a special case. Town Manager Labadie explained that the Commission can insert this language if they are all in agreement. Commissioner Gossett -Seidman was in favor of this ordinance. Commissioner Riesa responded to Commissioner Donaldson's suggestion regarding parking on the grassy area. She is in favor of allowing this as long as they get permission from the Police Department. Vice Mavor Nila had no comments. Mayor Zelniker mentioned that a resident asked that the words "this does not apply to AIA" be added to the ordinance. Town Attorney Ryan explained that this applies to the entire Town. There is a section in the ordinance that applies to emergencies. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this ordinance on the March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting agenda. C. PROPOSED RESOLUTION / BUILDING DEPARTMENT BUDGET AMENDMENT FOR FY 2018-2019 Town Clerk Gaskins read Proposed Resolution / Building Budget Amendment for FY 2018- 2019 into the record. Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 6of14 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 18-011 R, AS AMENDED, WHICH APPROPRIATED FUNDS FOR THE 2018-2019 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET, AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Manager Labadie introduced this item. He explained that this amendment is to ensure that we maintain a Town Planner in the Building Department. It also allows for the retrofit of a police vehicle that is no longer needed in the Police Department. The vehicle will be rehabbed so it does not look like a police car and will be used in another department. This particular vehicle will be used in the Building Department. It was the Consensus of the Commission to place this item on the March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting Consent Agenda. 6. NEW BUSINESS: Town Clerk Gaskins read items 7A thru 7D into the record. A) Approval of Meeting Minutes: January 29, 2019 — Workshop minutes Commissioner Riesa explained that the minutes are accurate but the statement made by Mayor Zelniker regarding the Commission not being able to apply for grants from the State or government for any of the projects until the referendum is passed is not accurate. Commissioner Riesa explained that is not so. It was the consensus of the Commission to place the January 29, 2019, Workshop Minutes on the February 5, 2019 Regular Meeting Consent Agenda B) Discussion on Town Commission Assignments and Responsibilities Pursuant to Resolution 19-008 R. Town Manager Labadie introduced this item. Commission Discussion: Commissioner Donaldson mentioned that giving staff the opportunity to work up some type of format would be a good way to go. Commissioner Gossett -Seidman concurred with Commissioner Donaldson. She requested the follow-up be put in writing and submitted to each Commissioner. Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 Page 7 of 14 Commissioner Riesa agreed with setting up a format. She mentioned that the Commissioners should not be attending meetings with other elected officials or agencies without the Town Manager's approval. If a Commissioner goes on their own, they should represent themselves and not the Town. She asked for clarification regarding the current rolls that are in front of the Commissioners and the interactions the Commissioners have sent emails on today. Town Manager Labadie explained if the Commission was inclined to do appointments today that would be okay. If not, a form could be sent to the Commissioners at some point tomorrow and a form could be submitted for each group, come back on March 5th and take action. He advised that technically, it could not be assigned today because it is a non -action meeting. Town Attorney yan explained that a Commissioner can always meet with elected officials and represent themselves; but when you start talking about official things that you want for the Town, you can only say this is my opinion and I need to go back to the Commission. You cannot take action as an individual which represents the Town. Unless you have been given permission by the Commission to write a letter to another city, you need to clearly state that you are writing this letter in your individual capacity only. Town Manager Labadie will send a form to each Commissioner to fill out for discussion at the March 5th Regular Meeting. Vice Mayor Nila explained that elected officials have a role and some of the boards are strictly made up of elected officials and not everything can be done by the Town Manager. Discussion ensued regarding the appointments of elected officials to represent the Town by the Commission and the follow up materials that need to be given to each Commissioner as a result of any meetings with different agencies. It was the consensus of the Commission to place this item on the March 5, 2019 Regular Meeting under Miscellaneous — Items Left Over. C) Discussion of Additional Rules Governing Commissioners and Appointments — Commissioner Riesa. Commissioner Riesa introduced this item. She provided comments regarding the Commission's need to have a proper vetting process before appointments occur when an unelected appointed person is assigned to a Commissioner position due to a short-term vacancy. Going forward, she asked that the attorney and Town Manager come up with a proper vetting process before appointments take place. She explained that some of the members of the Commission did not know that the newly appointed Commissioner Donaldson did not recuse himself before a critical vote on extending the referendum. Instead he voted no and had his wife register a Political Action Committee (PAC) for the referendum. She questioned the legality of this. There was no transparency. Behaviors Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 Paoe8of14 such as promoting oneself in a government position on one's own business website speaks a personal gain. There needs to be a clear understanding of one's background before appointing to the Commission. Commissioner Donaldson questioned Commissioner Riesa's statement regarding his website. He explained that he is prohibited by law from working on any projects with the Town and Commissioner Riesa's comments were totally off base. He asked the Town Attorney or the Town Manager to please advise the public the outcome of the Commission on Ethics findings. Town Manager Labadie replied that he did forward the concern initially of Commissioner Donaldson's participation in this group and/or contributions of funds to a support group. The County Ethics Commission responded that he cannot personally ask for a letter of opinion, but based on a review of the ethics, and they also forwarded a couple of the opinions that they had, that there were no ethical issues involved at this time. Town Attorney Rvan explained that everything must be in compliance with the Charter. The Charter states that you shall appoint. It does not tell you how to appoint or who to appoint. An ordinance could be put in place that would allow the Commission to have a vetting process. Commissioner Donaldson. explained that he has served on many boards in this Town and has always been transparent. Vice Mayor Nila explained that there are severe deficiencies in our Charter. There needs to be a Charter review. This process of appointing a Commissioner needs to be handled in the Charter. Town Manager Labadie will look into the Charter Review process. D)Discussion on Employee Health Benefits — Commissioner Riesa. ('PHIS ITEM WAS RF,MGVED FROM THE; AGENDA). E) Discussion on Modifying the Agreement with Brandano Display, Inc. for Holiday Lighting and Decorations — Commissioner Riesa. Commissioner Riesa introduced this item She mentioned that she was approached by some residents regarding the holiday displays and was asked if the Town could lessen the size of the dreidel and the nativity scene. Since there is a contract in place with the ability to terminate without cause, perhaps there could be a possibility of lessening the Town's expenses yet leveraging better costs for the next few years before we own the ornaments and displays. Commissioner Donaldson received many great compliments on the Light up the Holidays and the decorations. He has no problem with the way it stands. Commissioner Gossett -Seidman had many negative responses to the decorations including the cost. She was uncertain on how to move forward with this issue. Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 Page 9 of 14 Vice Mayor Nila provided comments regarding the conditions of the previous Town holiday decorations. She heard many compliments from residents about the new decorations and it stands as is. Mayor Zelniker had an unbelievable amount of positive comments. Commissioner Riesa was not asking to change the Christmas tree, Menorah or decorations. She was asking to come up with a more moderate size dreidel and nativity scene and hopes to save the Town some money on these extraordinary extra accessories. She requested the Town Manager have the ability to renegotiate this contract to see what other options we have to save the Town money. Consensus was a 3 to 2 vote to have Town Manager Labadie look into this issue. F) Discussion to Reconsider Board of Adjustment and Appeals Board as Quasi -Judicial Board — Commissioner Donaldson. Commissioner Donaldson introduced this item. He served as a member of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals. He provided comments regarding the variances brought forth before that board and the responsibility involved in whether or not to grant a variance. There are qualified and talented members serving on this board and the decisions made have been upheld. The members are frustrated over this decision by the Commission and feel that something has been taken away from them when they signed up for this board. He suggested the Commission seriously reconsider their decision and have this placed on the next agenda. Commissioner Gossett -Seidman read an email into . the record sent to her last fall by Commissioner Donaldson regarding the Commission's decision to alter the decision-making authority of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals and his understanding why this was done. She provided comments regarding the number of variances granted since the year 2000. This decision was not made against any of the board members. She was not in favor of having more than one person from each condominium on one board and not in favor of returning the decision- making authority back to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals. There is a need for checks and balances. Commissioner Riesa commented on her concern that there are many members on that board that are residents of the same condominium. She provided comments regarding meetings that she attended and whether or not the variances were granted due to a hardship. Vice Mayor Nila referred to Commissioner Gossett-Seidman's comments regarding the number of variances granted over the years. She agreed that there needs to be a check and balance system as well as a better vetting process for the advisory board members. Mayor Zelniker commended the Building Department for the excellent job they are doing for the Town and was in favor of bringing it back to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals. Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 Page 10 of 14 Commissioner Donaldson agreed that it was not a good idea to have that many people from one community on the board. He explained that there is a check and balance system, which is the appeals process to the court. He referred to his email to Commissioner. Gossett -Seidman explaining that as part of his email he suggested there were probably some steps need to take to make that board better. There are ways to fix it. No action was taken. G) Discussion on the future of the Treasure Coast Regional Council by Commissioner Gossett -Seidman (THIS ITEM WAS .ADDED TO TIE AGENDA). Commissioner Gossett -Seidman introduced this item. Based on what has taken place over the last few months regarding the referendum, she asked that the Commission consider dismissing the Treasure Coast Council. Whether the referendum passes or fails, the Treasure Coast people have lost the confidence of a great deal of people in the community and on the Commission. If the referendum passes, we need to put out bids to attain a different set of Planners going forward. If we can recoup any of our funds, it should be done. She read the items Dr. Kim Delaney presented at a Commission meeting into the record. She requested all the emails from the Treasure Coast Council sent to any member of the Commission and the Town Manager and is still waiting to receive them. Commissioner Riesa has also requested the same emails. The public also needs to see what is going on. Commissioner Donaldson mentioned that the Treasure Coast Planning Council has an agreement with the Town and it is a good agreement. They are closing in on finishing that agreement. It was pointed out that we had a hard -firm deadline on this. At a point, under considerable pressure, FDOT relented and allowed more time on the project. He was not in favor of terminating the Treasure Coast Planning Council. Vice Mayor Nila read the letter from Stacey Miller of Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) into the record stating that their department needs the scope of work and funding commitment by the end of March 2019 and there was no flexibility. She provided comments regarding the constant telephone calls and emails to Stacey Miller from two Commissioners, which was totally inappropriate, and finally they relented. During the meeting with FDOT, Vice Mayor Nila and Town Manager Labadie inquired about an extension, but was told there was no flexibility. She mentioned that before statements are made, it is important that we deal with facts and be careful what is said when dealing with people's careers. Treasure Coast Planning Council is near or at the end of their contract and if the referendum does pass, they will most likely not come back to continue for a bid after the way this Town has treated them. We should leave this as is. We have done enough damage. Commissioner Gossett -Seidman addressed Vice Mayor Nila's comments. For the record, she had consulted a First Amendment Rights Attorney and the State Attorney's office regarding the emails that were transpiring between people of this Town and FDOT and the Treasure Coast Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 11 of 14 Planning Council. She made two phone calls and two emails to find out the truth as to why we had this project deadline that was five years off and not on any FDOT schedule. We need to get the truth and let the public know what it is. Mayor Zelniker read a letter from Commissioner Weinroth into the record indicating that every 20 years FDOT resurfaces and rehabilitates its State roads. It is very complicated because we have a lot of different people telling us a lot of different things. 7. MISCELLANEOUS — ITEMS LEFT OVER: None. 8. CIVILITY PLEDGE: Town Clerk Gaskins read the Pledge of Civility into the record. 9. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS DISCUSSED AT THIS MEETING Limited to three (3) minutes per person David Axelrod was in favor of bringing back the Board of Adjustment and Appeals. He provided comments regarding the behavior of the Commission on the Dais. He questioned why Treasure Coast Planning Council went to FDOT in September asking about Highland Beach, when the Town did not sign a contract with them until November. Jack Halpern asked how it was possible that FDOT was approached by Kim Delaney of Treasure Coast Planning Council in September to talk about Highland Beach two months before their executed contract. He presented a newsletter from the Political Action Committee and asked that the Town Manager check with Treasure Coast to verify that they were not involved in developing this response document. He provided comments regarding the amount of people attending the Commission meetings in protest of the referendum and suggested the Mayor cancel the March 6th workshop meeting with Treasure Coast Planning Council. John Boden looking forward to peace and harmony. 10. REPORTS — TOWN COMMISSION: A) Commissioner Barry Donaldson commented on reducing the eight pocket parks to four pocket parks. The Coastal Star post that John Ross alluded to was never said. The problem mentioned about the storm system not being able to handle a hurricane; it is not meant to. It is designed for a 25 -year storm. He addressed the Financial Advisory Board's recommendations that were presented earlier. He explained his reasons for supporting the referendum and provided comments regarding the statements made by the "Committee to Save Highland Beach" and the vicious personal attacks against Mayor Zelniker, Vice Mayor Nila and himself. They say. they are exercising their rights to free of speech. He could not comprehend that level of bullying, intimidation and hate speech Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 12 of 14 being disguised as free speech. He was called upon to turn the other check, forgive them; and he does. There are a number of supporters for the referendum, but remain silent to avoid any personal attacks. The importance of the referendum is a well -crafted best practice approach to solving long neglected problems in Highland Beach. He explained the funding authorizations for the three referendums which would include grants and outside sources and the Town obtaining a credit rating for the first time. Upon the passing of the referendum the Town will engage in Requests for Proposals from Project Managers, Designers and Engineers. He explained the process involved with the project. During this process, the advisory boards and the public will play an important role in shaping the final vision and making it a reality. It is time to look to the future and invest in that future to improve our small sensitive barrier island town. B) Commissioner Peggy Gossett -Seidman explained that she is not against putting the Board of Adjustment and Appeals back. It needs review and consideration by the Town Manager. She suggested having evening workshops so people who are skilled can apply to these boards. Having four people from one building is not a fair representation of the Town. Regarding the Ocean Walk and More Project, she explained that she will accept whichever way the vote goes. Her biggest complaint was that she did not have all the facts to go from zero to $45 million and was kept in the dark for many months. Governor DeSantis established a Resiliency Board for funding for coastal communities which would benefit our Town and that is one reason why she asked for an extension. Mistakes were made and they need to be corrected. This Commission needs to work together and not as five people fighting with each other. C) Commissioner Elyse Riesa provided comments regarding her meeting with Kim Delaney and what could be done to reduce the $45 million. Dr. Delaney explained that the drainage amount stays and so does the FP&L amount. That leaves the sidewalk embellishments, which would not lower the amount that much. Commissioner Riesa asked for the extension because other options needed to be investigated in order to do this and make better decisions. She addressed Commissioner Donaldson's statement regarding pocket parks. This issue was never brought before the Commission for discussion. No Commission should be negotiating with Palm Beach County for placing a pocket park on the Milani Park site. The Commission and the Town Manager should be thinking about what should be done if the referendum passes as well as what should be done if it does not pass. It is important that this Commission come back together and work on all the things that needs to be done for the future of this Town. D) Vice Mayor Alysen A. Nila provided comments on why Highland Beach has such a horrible reputation. She mentioned the various agencies who have been involved with the Ocean Walk and More project and Brandano Displays who designed the holiday decorations for the Town. Unfortunately, they were deemed unqualified by some residents and Commissioners. Just because you don't agree with somebody, it does not mean they are not qualified or they do not have the expertise. She commented on some of our board members who are engineers, but are not drainage engineers. They are not currently working, they are retired and do not know what systems are currently being Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 Page 13 of 14 placed in Florida. They are from parts of the country who do things differently then they do here in Florida. You cannot compare a drainage engineer with any other type' of engineer. There are members of the Financial Advisory Board who are CPA's, Hedge Fund Analysts, but we do not have somebody who is very well acquainted with Municipal Bonds and infrastructure financing. Chairperson Greg Babij of the Financial Advisory was asked to come to every financial meeting for this project. He refused to come and said we had it covered. You are in good hands. The fact that this Town has never received a credit rating shows their lack of expertise in municipal financing. Questioning people's schooling, credentials and expertise is a disgrace. If Highland Beach continues to fall behind and not be proactive to take the steps to upgrade our Town, there is going to be consequences. If you want to talk about dropping market values, sit back and it will be clear very soon. This is the time to prepare. We have excessive flooding in this area. We need a stormwater system. A Swale System will not work. E) Mayor Rhoda Zelniker acknowledged that February is African American History Month. Her favorite writer is Booker T. Washington. She spoke about his extraordinary background and encouraged . everyone to read his book "Up from Slavery", which is his autobiography. There is a beautiful display in the Library for African American History Month. She referred to the television program CNBC where Jay Powell, the new Chairman of the Fed, spoke about climate change and how coastal communities. can be majorly impacted in the coming years. This is going to affect our economy. We need to do something now. Whether you are for or against the referendum, the personal attacks are inappropriate. She referred to the fact sheet that was mailed to all the residents regarding the referendum and encouraged the residents to learn the true facts and cast their votes. If we do nothing, we will be non -existing in 30 years according to CNBC. She mentioned that the "No No Leader" is the same person who was against the referendum to put in the new water pipes for all the residents living on the side streets. This same person was running for Commissioner in the last election and his biggest concern was the flooding. 11. REPORTS — TOWN ATTORNEY PAMALA RYAN: Town Attorney Ryan had no comments. 10. REPORTS — TOWN MANAGER MARSHALL LABADIE: Town Manager Labadie made the following announcements: o Administrative Day on March 12th for all non-essential personnel pursuant to Article 20, Section 5 to be given the day off in order to free up the parking spaces for the March 12th Municipal Election. o The March 6th meeting has been postponed. In its place we will get a summary report to get us up to speed, as to where we left off last time. We will calculate all of the comments that have been collected and try to put it in a report format to actually get something we can read, react to and understand. There are a few deliverables left on the contract. Town Commission Workshop Minutes Date: February 26, 2019 Pa el4of14 o Regarding the staff Health Care Plan, Terisha Cuebas and I have looked at other options to see if there are any other ways that we could either save money or for the same money get better service for our employees. o Thank you to the Police Department for helping Library Director Albertson's team close up late at night. o Thank you to the Library staff for all their successful programs and their hard work. o Whatever happens with the referendum, myself and the staff are prepared to help you get wherever you want to go.. 12. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business Mayor Zelniker called for a motion to adjourn the meeting. MOTION: Commissioner Riesa moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:06 PM. Commissioner Gossett -Seidman seconded -the motion. APPROVED at April 2, 2019 Regular Meeting. Rhoda Zeln' -r, Mayor Rr Transcribed by: Rosalie DeMartino Date