1982.04.29_TC_Minutes_Workshop
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA
• Minutes of Meeting of Town Commission
Recessed Workshop Meeting from April 27, 1982
April 29, 1982 1:30 PM.
The following representatives from Rebecca Walker's Office were in
attendance at this meeting: Mrs. Rebecca Walker, Property Appraiser;
Mr. Chet Meeth, Mrs. Walker's Deputy; Miss Nancy Myers, Specialist/
Secretary; Mr. Tom Wenham, Department Head of Field Operations;
Mr. Joseph Vick, Director of Appraisals and Mr. James Hilliard,
Director of Assessments.
Mayor Horton welcomed the above persons and said that Mrs. Walker had
unfortunately walked into a difficult situation in taking over
Mr. David Reid's position.
Mrs. Walker spoke first and explained about the Homestead Exemption and
when it has to be filed and renewed each year. She also talked about
the TRIM bill.
Mr. Hilliard then addressed the Commission, saying that it was his
• department's responsibility to prepare an equitable tax roll for all.
He said that it is of utmost importance that their office be aware of
any zoning changes which occur during the year and any moratoriums
which are in effect. He also informed the Commission that aerial
maps and an alphabetical listing of the tax roll on microfisch were
available.
Mr. Wenham spoke to the Commission regarding their inspections of new
properties and how they use the information obtained from our Building
Permits. Mr. Wenham stated that they did not use the amount of money
shown on the building permit in figuring the tax, however, they do take
it with them when they go into the field.
Mr. Joseph Vick and Miss Nancy Myers both explained the duties of
their positions, as well as Mr. Meeth. Points covered included the
new system that Mrs. Walker has instituted, whereby equity for all
is of primary importance. Another statement made was that under the
TRIM bill, if the market values are not kept up, the homestead exemption
would be lost.
All participants offered the Town any help they could give them.
Mayor Horton complimented Rebecca Walker's staff on a well organized
• presentation and questions were asked by the various Commissioners.
t
Minutes of Highland Beach
. Town Commission
Recessed Workshop Meeting from April 27, 1982
April 29, 1982 Page 2 of 5
Mayor Horton then reconvened the Workshop Meeting of April 27, 1982
at 3:15 P.M. Those in attendance were: Mayor Louis Y. Horton, Vice-
Mayor Harold C. Storm and Commissioners Mary Louise G. Blosser and
Edward J. Sullivan. Commissioner John J. Basso was absent.
Also in attendance were: Elaine W. Roberts, Town Manager; Thomas E.
Sliney, Town Attorney and Jane E. Barker, Town Clerk.
82.30 Bel Lido Bridge wing abutments - updated costs and
status of reserve monies.
Mrs. Roberts informed the Commission that the updated estimate
for the Bel Lido Bridge wing abutments amounted to $35,000.00,
and that there was approximately $140,000.00 in undesignated
reserve money. The consensus was to hold off spending this
money.
82.36 Possible discussion regarding DOT/AIA
• Mrs. Roberts showed the map received from the Department of
Transportation explaining the details of it. Mayor Horton
stated that 'now the Town had something official in hand.'
82.41 Financial Advisory Board appointments - amending
Resolution No. 409. See resume from Bob Slater.
Mrs. Roberts suggested that the wording should be changed in
Resolution No. 409 and the consensus was to eliminate the
words "Vice Mayor" and substitute "three members". Inasmuch
as Mr. Storm will no longer be Vice Mayor, but did consent to
continue serving on this Board, it was felt that "three members"
would be the proper wording.
A resume had been received from Mr. Bob Slater, Mrs. Roberts
said, who would be filling Mr. Walker's place. Mr. Harry
Walker will become the new Commissioner on May 4, 1982.
82.42 Status of study of Water Treatment Plant Issues
Mayor Horton first acknowledged Vice Mayor Storm's taking over
• the meeting on April 6, 1982 when Mayor Horton was ill. He
then explained why a test taken at the water plant had not
Minutes of Highland Beach
Town Commission
• Recessed Workshop Meeting from April 27, 1982
April 29, 1982 Page 3 of 5
shown a problem on April 2nd and said it was due to the
fact that the operator had been using the water from the
faucets which had been in the surge tank for about two days.
Now, testing will be done on water in the clear well.
Mrs. Roberts then explained what had happened at the water
plant on April 2, 1982 when the lime feed malfunctioned.
Discussion took place regarding having two men on a shift
inasmuch as if the operator is over here in Town, there is
nobody at the plant itself.
Commissioner Sullivan said that he did not feel comfortable
with the water plant not being covered for twentyfour hours.
Vice Mayor Storm stated that this was why he strongly favored
the 70~ rate in order to cover any new items that might come up.
Discussion took place regarding the water plant employees;
whether they should be on the Town Staff; fringe benefits;
• and preventive maintenance for the plant itself.
Vice Mayor Storm asked if any more applications had been
received for the water plant operator's position; Commissioner
Sullivan commented on the men that are working there now; and
Mrs. Roberts said that these operators work on a contract
basis as do other small municipalities.
82.44 Status of study by Florida Public Utilities for possible
extension of natural gas lines.
Mrs. Roberts reported that Florida Public Utilities had
requested an extension until the middle of May to complete this
study. Information revealed that if this gas was used only
to heat water for pools it would be more expensive than if the
gas was used for pools, stoves and hot water tanks in a home
or apartment.
82.45 Report regarding correspondence to Sheriff's office
requesting information for patrol of Intracoastal
Waterway.
Mrs. Roberts reported that she had given the Commission infor-
• mation regarding this subject and also to Mr. Jim Zumwalt,
City Manager of Boca Raton, at a luncheon meeting. The Sheriff's
Minutes of Highland Beach
Town Commission
Recessed Workshop from April 27, 1982
April 29, 1982
Page 4 of 5
Department had been issuing citations at the south end of
the Intracoastal since April 15th, she was told.
Mrs. Roberts also informed the Commission that she and
Mr. Zumwalt had set up a joint meeting of the Councils
from Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Highland Beach to discuss
mutual affairs. The date set was May 27, 1982 for the Town
and Boca only.
Reports - Town Commission
Mrs. Roberts reported that the Code Enforcement Board was
holding in abeyance two citations regarding the parking of
vans or pickup trucks in Town until word from the Town
Commission .
Discussion took place regarding this matter with Mr. Sliney
seeking a definition of "commercial vehicles". Many people
• now have vans which serve as their only means of transportation
and it would not be fair to ticket them. It was determined
that if the pickup truck or van is not used commercially or
does not have commercial markings on it, they would not be
ticketed.
Mr. Sliney will draw up an ordinance changing Section 27-5 of
the Code of Ordinances.
Vice Mayor Storm spoke about the beach service they have at
his apartment, and inquired into the status of the Fire Study
Committee.
Commissioner Blosser commented on the letter received from
former Commissioner Genovese regarding the duties of the
Planning Commission and Community Appearance Board. Mr.
Sliney talked-about the legality of the Community Appearance
Board insisting on certain trees being planted and discussion
took place. Mayor Horton stated that the CAB would be
attending the Regular Meeting on May 4, 1982 and this could
be discussed further at that time.
Mayor Horton then inquired about the Resolution concerning
• dual taxation and Mrs. Roberts explained the procedure. The
Mayor stated this Resolution could be adopted at the Regular
Meeting on May 4, 1982.
Minutes of Highland Beach
Town Commission
Recessed Workshop from April 27, 1982
April 29, 1982 Page 5 of 5
Mrs. Roberts then talked about raising the bike path at
the south exit driveway of Town Hall, lateral files for the
Office, the window treatment in Town Hall and how the Library
desired to purchase a cart for $865.00. Mayor Horton said
that item should be looked into before a decision is reached.
Sewer rates with Delray Beach were discussed. Mrs. Roberts
also said that Mayor Horton and Police Chief Kenneth Jones
would be attending a joint dinner tonight of the Palm Beach
County Municipal League and the Palm Beach County Association
of Chiefs of Police.
Mrs. Roberts then said the Library was selling tickets for
the Open House at Maravilla. She said all commissioners
received a memo from Lew Petzold about dune walkovers and
also information from Boca Raton about passing a resolution
opposing casino gambling.
Mr. Sliney spoke of the Sanibel case and said they were still
• waiting to see if the Court would grant a Writ of Certiorari.
He will receive notification when the issue is decided.
MOTION by Commissioner Sullivan/Commissioner Blosser that the
meeting be ADJOURNED. Time - 5:00 P.M.
APPROVED: ~~~
Louis Horton, Mayor
Harald 'C. S„torph l ice Mayor
J,/~a~so, Commissioner
Attest:
,--
to : ~ ,- C dam'
Mar~'Iipuise G.~ ~loss~r, Comm.
Edward J. 5~ilJ~ivan, Commissioner