Loading...
1981.03.03_TC_Minutes_Regular TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA • Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 1:30 P.M. Mayor Horton called the Regular Meeting to order at 1:30 P,M. Those in attendance were: Mayor Louis Y. Horton, Vice Mayor Harold C. Storm, and Commissioners Mary Louise G. Blosser, John J. Basso, and Peter J. Genovese. Also in attendance were: Elaine W. Roberts, Town Manager, Thomas E. Sliney, Town Attorney, Police Chief Kenneth T. Jones, and Jane E. Barker, Town Clerk. Quite a few Townspeople were in the audience. Pledge of Allectiance Approval of Minutes January 27, 1981 - Special and Workshop Meeting January 30, 1981 - Workshop Meeting February 3, 1981 - Regular Meeting - Recessed until February 17, 1981 - 1:30 P.M. a Motion by Vice Mayor Storm and seconded by Commissioner Blosser that the minutes be approved as submitted. All Commissioners voted Aye. Public Requests and Comments Mrs. Roberts informed the Commission that Mr. Dick Shalla of 4218 South Ocean Boulevard was in the audience and he addressed the Commission concerning the problem he had with the water and his laundry in the month of December. He stated that he was told to make a list of the items damaged in the laundry, and, more than likely, he would be reimbursed. Mayor Horton spoke at some length about this matter and told Mr. Shalla he would deeply appreciate it if Mr. Shalla would keep the Commission advised of what he .finds in the future and a check will be made with the engineers to see if his problems can be solved. Mr. Philip Colman, developer of Villa Magna, then spoke to the Commission and asked several questions concerning Cable TV which were answered by Mayor Horton. Mr. M. H. W. Dent, ~ Town resident, talked about the water plant and the paving of Appleby Street. • Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission • Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Page 2 of 12 Mrs. Roberts then spoke regarding the proposed dock at the Holiday Inn and the matter of luncheon and dinner cruises - being conducted. Until the dock is completed at the Holiday Inn, the owner of the boat would be docking at the Villa Magna dock but not paying any rent, thereby eliminating the commercial aspect. They were anxious to start these cruises, however, they were told by Mrs. Roberts to wait until after they had discussed the matter with the Town Commission. Mr. Bill Williams, Food and Beverage Director at the Holiday Inn, spoke to the Commission and explained just how the cruises would operate. Discussion took place with the consensus being that this matter should be researched further by the Town Attorney before giving Mr. Williams any decision. Reports - Town Commission_ (a) Mayor Louis Y. Horton - Mayor Horton reported on a problem at the Water Plant which was discussed earlier. He further reported that three operators are now on duty and the plant is being manned sixteen hours per day, seven days a week in conformance with the require- ments of the Palm Beach County Health Department. Mayor Horton talked also of an Open House at the water Plant, setting a date of April 12, 1981 from 1:30 to 5:30 PJM. He felt that the neighbors at the Water Plant should be invited during the first half hour, with the residents from Highland Beach being invited for the balance of the afternoon. (b} Vice Mayor Harold C. Storm - Vice Mayor Storm stated that the Finance Advisory Committee held a meeting last week and another one will be held on March 20th. Mr. Blum, Chairman of the Police Committee, met with them and efforts are being made to coordinate all of the em- ployees of the Town as far as benefits are concerned. Comparisons are being made with other municipalities. The Committee is doing a broad study of employee benefits. Vice Mayor Storm also reported that during the month of February $13,014.99 in interest was earned on our invest- ments. (c) Commissioner John J. Basso - No report. • (d) Commissioner Mary Louise G. Blosser - Commissioner Blosser reported that she had attended a Workshop Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission • Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Page 3 of 12 Meeting. on Management for Volunteer Organizations and will have information for the "Friends of the Library" when they begin. She is rounding up the report on non-sprinklered buildings. (e) Commissioner Peter J. Genovese - Commissioner Genovese left the podium an3 went to the floor micro- phone where he addressed the Commission and the audience. He had many words of praise for Mayor Horton and read a Resolution sponsoring the Mayor for consideration to receive the Philip D. Lewis Statesman Award for the year 1981. This Award is given each year by the Palm Beach County Municipal League and is considered quite an honor. After the reading in full of the Resolution by Commissioner Genovese, Commissioner Genovese made a MOTION that this Resolution be adopted. Commissioner Blosser seconded this MOTION. All Commissioners voted Aye. Mayor Horton stated that he was overwhelmed and was at a loss for words for a minute or so, but he then thanked Commissioner Genovese, Elaine Roberts and the entire Commission for their work in preparing this document. Reports - Boards and Agencies of the Town (a) Board of Adjustment - Mrs. Roberts stated that the Board of Adjustment has been meeting quarterly and their next meeting will be in April. (b) Code Enforcement Board - Mrs. Roberts stated that the Code Enforcement Board still had one vacancy and she has had a call from a gentleman who lives in Ambassadors South, who is possibly interested. Their next meeting is on March 18, 1981 at 9:30 A.M. (c) Community Appearance Board - Mrs. Roberts stated that this Board has two vacancies and they have recommended that Dominick Conte be a reg- ular member to fill Norman Hile's unexpired term, and Mrs. Doris Rome to be a first alternate for a period of one year. ~1 U Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission • Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Page 4 of ~2 MOTION by Commissioner Genovese and seconded by Commissioner Basso that Mr. Dominick Conte be appointed as a regular member for a term to end in March 1982. All Commissioners voted Aye. MOTION by Vice Mayor Storm/Commissioner Blosser that Mrs. Doris Rome be appointed as first alternate for an interim period and then for a one year term until July 1982. All Commissioners voted Aye. (d) Financial Advisory Board - This Board will be meeting again on March 20, 1981 as per Vice Mayor Storm's statement above. (e) Housing Board of Adjustment & Appeals - Mrs. Roberts said that this Board is now meeting quarterly and will meet next in April. They still have vacancies on this Board. (f) Planning Commission - Mrs. Roberts said that the Planning Commission had sent a letter of transmittal with the basic Emergency Operation Preparedness Plan attached. Mrs. Roberts said that the • next step would be for the Town Commission to set a Public Hearing on that Plan. This Board will be sub- mitting changes to the Zoning Code to the Town Commission also. Mayor Horton stated that the Public Hearing could be set in conjunction with the Regular Meeting in April. MOTION by Commissioner Blosser/Commissioner Basso that the Public Hearing concez~zing the Emergency Operation Preparedness Plan be set for 1:20 P.M. on April 7, 1981. All Commissioners voted Aye. Mrs. Roberts continued by saying that the Planning Commission would be meeting on March 11 at 10:00 A.M. The Commission is desirous of obtaining the services of a Planning Consultant but needs further information from Mr. Sliney, so Mr. Sliney and Mr. Hamzik have been invited to attend their meeting on March 11, 1981. (g) Police Committee - Mr. Lowell Blum, Chairman of the Police Committee, reported that the members of this Board approved the suggestion to ask the Town Commission to adopt an ordinance forbidd- ing parking on AlA and adjacent properties at all times. The only exception would be construction and/or emerg- • ency parking. Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Mr. Blum further Workshop Meeting Police Department which the proper Town Commission. Page 5 of 12 stated that they will be holding a to hear a representative from the regarding certain requests, after recommendations will be made to the Discussion took place regarding the proposed ordinance regarding parking and Mrs. Roberts said that she would draw up this ordinance. (h) AlA Study Committee - Mrs. Roberts said this Committee was winding down and she is expecting a report from them. This Board has approved the bulge and storage turn lanes in the vicinity of Boca Hi as far north as Parker. Parker is also inter- ested in storage turn lanes as well and these possib- ly could be an extension of the above. Reports - Representatives Re: • (a) Metropolitan Planning Organization - Don Wilson - Mrs. Roberts - reported that Mr. Wilson attended the MPO meeting in February and under her reports she will bring up the Resolution that the MPO has asked the municipalities to pass urging that the state provide more road fund- ing for South Florida. (b) South Florida Water Management District - Mr. Frank Carberry and Mayor Horton spoke of Mr. Carberry's letter of resignation inasmuch as the need for contact with the South Florida Water Manage- ment District was behind us. Mayor Horton read this letter for the record. Discussion took place regarding Mr. Carberry's letter and it was the consensus of the Commission to keep Mr. Carberry's letter in abeyance. Mr. Horton will so notify him. Reports - Town Attorney • Mr. Sliney reported that the Van Lennep case was decided in favor of the Town, after approximately ten years of litigation. He further reported that he had received a call from Mr. Hilly, Attorney for Ocean Properties and John O'Grady, saying he could not attend today's meeting and re- quested their matter be postponed until the next meeting. Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission Regular Meeting • March 3, 1981 Page 6 of 12 Mr. Sliney then said that Mrs. Roberts had received a letter from Mr. Ed Cohen, of Tylander, deClaire & Sliney, concerning the negotiation of the Regency Highlands Associates #2 case. The Regency desires to settle this matter in the amount of $850.00 MOTION by Commissioner Genovese/Commissioner Basso that the Town Commission authorize Mr. Sliney to settle this case for the sum of $850.00 and close it forthwith. All Commissioners voted Aye. Reports - Town Manager Mrs. Roberts reported that the Palm Beach Municipal League met on February 19 in Boca Raton; Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council will be meeting next week in Stuart; the Safety Committee met on February 18; the AlA Study Committee met on February 10 and other meetings were held at the Water Plant, with Mr. Bill Burson of Southern Bell Telephone; with Mr. Edward Neun of Florida Public Utilities; with Roy Simon; Lou Martin, Delray Beach Utility Director; Dalton Place residents; regarding Arturo's Restaurant and the Area Planning Board regarding the Local Government Planning Act. Correspondence received was a copy of the Palm Beach County Comprehensive Plan; and from Villa Magna regarding a contin- uation of a previous meeting held with them. MOTION by Commissioner Genovese/Commissioner Basso that the matter be continued to some appropriate date to all parties concerned. All Commissioners voted Aye. Mrs. Roberts then said that Mr. Ahern, Project Manager for Villa Magna, had contacted her regarding the placement of construction trailers on the west property of Jamaica Manor. She informed Mr. Ahern that he should contact Mr. Hamzik and he should also get permission from Jamaica Manor in writing. Mayor Horton said that a recommendation from Mr. Hamzik should be received before giving Mr. Ahern permission to do this. Mrs. Roberts then spoke of a letter received from Peabody & Childs, Architects for Hidden Harbor, requesting some changes in their plans as to what was approved before. Mrs. Roberts stated that action would need to be taken by the Commission. Mayor Horton stated that Mr. Hamzik should furnish the Commission with his recommendations and it can be discussed further at the Workshop Meeting on March 31, • 1981. 1 Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Page 7 of 12 Mrs. Roberts then spoke about the .deepening of the Intracoastal by Hidden Harbor and their request to the Corps of Army Engineers. Mrs. Roberts supplied the Commission with a lot of detailed information regarding the way prior Commissions felt about deepening the Intracoastal, as well as corres- pondence to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. Delray Beach was likewise against the proposed deepening study in 1978. After discussion, the consensus was to go along with what the Commission said in 1979 (August) and that was to refrain from doing any deepening of the Intracoastal. Mrs. Roberts said that a recommendation had been received from Mr. Sliney regarding outstanding water and sewer deposits which the Town was never able to reimburse to the depositors. The total amount was $2,338.00 which is re- commended to be retained by the Town. C Mrs. Roberts also reported on action by the Department of Transportation regarding the pyramid buttons at Trafalgar. These buttons are quite dangerous and are not permitted by the DOT. They have now been removed. Mrs. Roberts told of an inspection by a representative of the Florida Department of Labor and the safety corrections they recommended, that the Town is complying with the Resolution which purchased the sewer system, whereby it was necessary to insure the utility. She also spoke of a report received from the Area Planning Board regarding the census population figures. She asked the Commission if they wished to discuss the proposals for the landscaping and parking for the new Municipal Center. This will be discussed at the Workshop Meeting on March 31st. She also said that she had scheduled the bid opening for the building only for that same day if it met with the Commission's approval. Mrs. Roberts said that she had distributed her Annual Report; copies of the Del Trail budget have been received; and she had a visit from Bill Burson, Southern Bell, with the infor- mation that Highland Beach will be listed on the front cover of the Delray Beach directory and on the inside of the Boca Raton directory. In addition, Mr. Burson informed Mrs. Roberts that all of the people in Aberdeen Arms and Dalton Place will be listed in both the Boca Raton and Delray Beach directories. • Mrs. Roberts then reported on the following departments: Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission • Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Page 8 of 12 Building - A temporary C/O was issued to the north tower of the Townhouses of Highland Beach and $75,000.00 was collected in a performance bond. A permit was issued for Hidden Harbor Pavilion Recreation Building on the east side of AlA for $199,000.00 value. Mrs. Roberts said that Mr. Hamzik had attended the Building Officials' Conference in St. Petersburg last week. Finance - Monies collected in this department were: Court - $1,142.00; Florida Power & Light - $6,042.00; investment earnings - $13,015.00; taxes - $416,082.00 through February (balance due is $59,034.00). No money was received from the Road & Bridge Fund - there is still an outstanding amount of about $3,500.00. Mrs. Roberts reported that the State Department of Business Regulations had been paying Delray Beach for the liquor license at the Holiday Inn since 1973. This money has now been recovered in the amount of $5,985.00. Future monies will be paid to the Town (not to Delray). Mrs. Roberts further reported that a settlement was received • from Florida Power & Light for the Well Field problems in October which amounted to $358.00. Connection fees were collected from Coronado Development for 336 units - water in the amount of $134,400.00 - and sewer connection fees in the amount of $168,000.00. This has been invested for 30 days for the water fees at 16% and 60 days on the sewer fees at 15 i%. Discussl-on took place as to whether this money should be used to retire the $800,000.00 which was borrowed to pay for the sewer system or use the earnings from the investments to pay off the revenue bond. The consensus was to keep this money in the bank at the interest rates quoted above. Commissioner Genovese, at this time, praised Mrs. Roberts for all the work she does on behalf of the Town. Health - Mrs. Roberts then reported on a letter received from Dr. Harry Weiss, Health Officer, after having inspected a piece of property in Town. Maintenance - Mrs. Roberts said there was nothing special to report about this department but they are constantly busy. Police - Mrs. Roberts said that the monthly report showed quite a substantial amount stolen from Holiday Inn guests in a robbery on February 24, 1981. She stated 1 Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission • Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Page 9 of 12 that the Holiday Inn did not seem to be too concerned about their guests. She also said that the concrete table she donated to the Town was stolen from the backyard and one of the benches along the bike path was missing. She attended a C.D.C. Meeting this morning in Delray Beach. She said that our policemen were more than willing to give talks at the various condominiums in Town concerning Crime Watch Awareness. Town Clerk - Mrs. Roberts reported that this department has been busy preparing the qualifying forms for the Municipal Election in May. Public IItilities and Works - Mrs. Roberts reported that ' the water consumption was down from last month, partially due to the fact that January has 31 days and February only 28. She stated that she had given the Commission a copy of the proposed revision to the Water Plant Operator's contract. This item will be placed on the agenda for the Workshop Meeting on March 31, 1981. Mrs. Roberts said that the strobe light and audio alarm were installed in Lift Station #1. She said the new re- placement pump was installed free of charge about two weeks ago. Correspondence was received from the engineers request ing from the Commission an approval for their proposal for modifications for Lift Stations 4 and. 5. Mrs. Roberts rem commended that an increased figure of $7.00 be set for the proposed monthly sewer charge, in order to pay the increased charges from the City of Delray Beach. She said she would draw up an ordinance amending the whole section in Chapter 23. This can then be discussed at the Workshop Meeting on March 31, 1981. Mrs. Roberts also mentioned the January monthly report from Carl Howard. Mrs. Roberts stated that the Bel Lido bridge resurfacing had been completed and Mike Walther of Strock Engineering asked that the rest of the money be released. Commissioner Basso objected, saying there was still a niche on the south side of the bridge which should be sealed. Mrs. Roberts asked the Commission if the money could be re- leased if this item is corrected to her satisfaction. She said the guardrails' relocation should be started today. • Mrs. Roberts then informed the Commission that the teramycin was just about gone and she wanted to know if more should Minutes Highland Beach Town Commssion • .Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Page 10 of 12 be ordered. Discussion took place with Mrs. Roberts stating that she would check into the matter to see just what good the injections do. She then spoke of the free paving Westberry did for the Town where the driveway meets AlA. They did this while they were doing other work for the Town. Mayor Horton re- quested Mrs. Roberts to ask the Building Official if wider flares or arcs could be paved when driveways are being built. She said that was a matter for the Department of Transportation and she would contact Paul White of their Permit Division. Commissioner Basso brought up the subject of the property across from St. Lucy's Church where walls are left stand- ing and could be very dangerous. Mr. Sliney stated that could be a matter for the Code Enforcement Board. Proposed Ordinance Proposed Ordinance No. • Mr. Sliney began reading the with Commissioner Genovese, Blosser also taking turns in - Cable TV Franchise - First Reading - February 3, 1981 Cable TV Franchise Ordinance Kayor Horton and Commissioner reading. MOT~gN by Commissioner. Genovese and seconded by Commissioner Blcisser that the Franchise be granted in accordance with the read- ing of the ordinance. In polling the Commission, the vote was as follows: Mayor Horton - Aye; Vice Mayor Storm - Aye; Commissioner Basso - Aye; Commissioner Blosser - Aye; and Commissioner Genovese - Aye. Items Left Over from the Workshop Meeting Mrs. Roberts read a letter from Mr. Sliney concerning the CATV constituting a business in Town. His opinion was that it would not be in violation of the codes. Mayor Horton stated that most of the items left over from the Workshop Meeting had already been discussed. However, Mr. Sliney did make a report concerning the "Friends of the Library" saying that he felt it would be up to the interested parties to hold their organization meeting and select their Directors and Officers. Mayor Horton said that a Library Board would be appointed to act as a liaison between the "'Friends of the Library" and the Commission • since they will be using the Town Hall facilities. This, though, will come later. Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission • Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Page 11 of 12 Mrs. Roberts said she was seeking approval for two expenditures at the water plant - $1,200. to install a concrete pad under the two spiractors and $1,000. to repair the doors and jambs in the plant's main building. MOTION by Vice Mayor Storm/Commissioner Genovese that the above two expenditures be approved. All Commissioners voted Aye. Mrs. Roberts then asked for Commission approval of the expenditure for the engineering services for Lift Stations 4 and 5. A detailed breakdown is general engineering services in the amount of $4,900. and resident inspectors - $1,900. MOTION by Vice Mayor Storm/Commissioner Basso that the above expenditure be approved. All Commissioners voted Aye. Discussion took place regarding a letter from Del Trail regarding hose cabinets in condominiums. Mrs. Roberts will submit her recommendations to the Commission re- garding the revision of Chapter 10 of the Code - Fire Prevention. Mrs. Roberts then spoke of the Resolution requesting that the funding levels be increased for South Florida. as per the MPO request. Resolution No. 417 - A Resolution of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, in support of Reso- lution MPO-3-81 of the Metr~olitan Planning Organization for the West Palm Beach Urban Study Area Resolution No. 417 was read in full by the Town Clerk. MOTION by Commissioner Basso and seconded by Commissioner Blosser that this Resolution be adopted as read. All Commissioners voted Aye. Bills for Approval Mrs. Roberts presented the bills for approval. MOTION by Vice Mayor Storm/Commissioner Blosser that the bills be approved for payment. A11 Commissioners voted Aye. Mr. M. H. W. Dent, a Town resident, then addressed the Commission, talking about such things as: finances; Cable TV Franchise; Boat Time-Sharing; the Sewer System • and the palm trees. • Minutes Highland Beach Town Commission Regular Meeting March 3, 1981 Page 12 of 12 MOTION by Commissioner Genovese and seconded by Commissioner Blosser that the meeting be ADJOURNED. Time - 4:40 P.M. APPROVED : r---7 + Louis Horton, Mayor ATTEST: ~-~ ~ ~f ~~~L.-~~ ~' Clerk yDATED: March 24, 1981 Har ld C~torm, Vice Mayor ~~~ ,aonry/J, Sasso, comm. Mary I;o~uise G~ tBl~ o ser, Comm. _ , ~~ ~n Peter J Genovese, Comm •