1965.01.05_TC_Minutes
MINUTES; ,HIGTILAND, BEACH TQWN COMMISSION JANUARY 5, 1965
The regular monthly meeting was called to order by Mayor Hackman at 7:15 PM,
e January 5, 1965. All commissioners were present. Minutes of the regular meeting
of December I, 1964 were read by Commissioner Johnson and approved by the
affirmative vote of all commissioners.
Mayor Hackman, noting the start of a new year, reviewed the achievements, and
problems of the new commission during the past seven months. His progress report
cited the repairs, improvements and general upgrading of the water plant and sur-
roundings; establishing a post office branch; the trash removal and debris clean up
after Hurricane Cleo; the construction of bulkheads, repairs to the bridge; and
cleaning and hulldozing on the Bel Lido subdivision; acquiring the new town hall;
and enforcement of occupational licenses, permits and other ordinances that are
beneficial and a protection to both town residents and contractors . He commented
that from all reports, the post office was greatly appreciated, particularly during
the Christmas rush.
Referring to some of the unpleasant happenings, he explained the reasons for the
unavoidable water shut off of December 18, 1964. With an anticipated shut off
of water to repair a water leak, all south town residents were notified. From the
diagram or blueprint showing north and south shut off valves, it was assumed that
the north end could be furnished water with the south end turned off so the north
residents were not notified. After work had progressed to a point where it had to
continue, it was found that the drawing was in error, and the secst~ld.v~.lv~,had
never been installed. Also that different gauge pipe had been used. This unex-
pected turn of events led to a much longer shut off period, numerous telephone
calls, and some complaints . Mayor Hackman, voicing the opinion of the Commis-
sion, expressed his appreciation to the persons who had been inconvenienced-but
still were tolerant and understanding. He also mentioned that there had been .some
criticism of the dredging noise but being a government project supervised by the
U.S. Corps: of Engineers there was not much to be done in the line of protest, but
with the operation moving north this condition would be eliminated.
Finance Commissioner Bunn reported that Town Manager Dailey had collected
$1,137.00 since the commission ordered enforcement of license and permit
ordinances and that there had been few protests as the legitimate tradesmen and
contractors realized that licensing was working to their ultimate benefit. He also
said .that excess funds in the general fund were being transferred to the savings.
account for interest income.
Commissioner Noble reported that some fogging for mosquito and insect control had
been done but the service was still not satisfactory and apparently on a spotty basis
and schedule . She also stated that zoning and building ordinances were being
studied prior to some suggested changes. Commissioner Noble and Mrs. Betty~tp~!
attended an all day beach erosion meeting at Delray City Hall arranged by the
Resources Development Board. Commissioner Noble's report indicated that no
definite decisions were made about how the cost of proposed beach erosion programs
would be distributed.
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.Commissioner Jones reported that several informal meetings had been held relative to
the- water plant expansion but he had no new developments to report until he had the
detailed report from the town engineer. Mayor Hackman added that. our major concern
is the expansion and. betterment of the water plant and that Town Manager Dailey,
Commissioner Jones and the engineers representative (Mr. Charles Anderson) were
spending a lot of time on this sizeable job.
Mr. Milton Beekman announced that the sign ordinance committee had been conduct-
ing meetings and that to date ten pages of .their report had been completed.
Mr. Howard Slagle reported the charter revision committee also. had a meeting
scheduled and their suggestions and recommendations would be presented soon.
Ordinance 126 -titled "An Ordinance of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida,.
regulating the sale and purchase of property for the enforcement of the collection
of taxes due to the Town of Highland Beach" was read. Ordinance 126 was approved
and passed on first reading, and posted on the town bulletin board at the regular
monthly meeting of December 1, 1964. After the second reading of Ordinance 126,
Commissioner Bunn moved approval without amendment. Commissioner Jones
seconded and all commissioners voted in the affirmative.
Under the caption of new business two very controversial subjects were introduced;
The Delray White House shed and sign, and the beach easement. Mr. Beekman
felt that some action should be taken on both. During the lengthy discussion,
letters of Mr. Beekman and Town Manager Dailey to Mr. Stienhardt and his replies
indicating cooperation were quoted but Mr. Beekman said nothing was being done
and thought the town commission should express their opinion and take a stand on
both questions. This led to questions of commission procedureand authority;
how far the commission should go in trying to resolvethese and other comparable
problems that wQUld need legal advice and costs in determir~.ng whether the issues
called :for civil or criminal quits, or ,just ordinance enforcement .for a solution.
Mr. Beekman stated that any legal fees or other. costs relative to the beach ease-
ment would definitely not be a town. expense .
Mayor Hackman remarked that most of these individuals or group complaints or
protests could probably be resolved by the mayor's court. He explained that under
the town charter the mayor and town commission have the authority, in lieu of a
court set up, to pass .judgment:,.. providing. written protests or affidavits are sub-
mitted to the commission. Any mayor's court decision is subject to appeal, or
presentation to a regular court.
Town Manager Dailey said he had arranged a meeting of Mr. Kenneth Dix, Town
Attorney, attorneys representing the Delray White House, and private residents,
and the commission to confer, with a view of some sort. of agreement or settlement.
This should be a sort of a trial test of the value of the mayor's court.
Town Manager. Dailey added that with the refund of water meter deposits, the town
did not have any security in collecting delinquent water bills . It was decided by
general agreement of the commission that when water bills were sixty (60) days in
arrear, the water would be shut off. ~
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On the motion of Commissioner Jones, seconded by Commissioner Johnson and the
affirmative vote of all Commissioners, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00. PM.
APPROVED:
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CLEM OMAN, MAYOR
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FRED BUNN, VICE MAYOR
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HAROLD E. JO NSO TOWN CLERK
DILM REDS N BL CO MIS ER
" (.~ ~'~~
G. ARTHUR JONES, COM~VI STONER
t._;
ATTEST:
• TOWN CLERK