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2020.03.24_TC_Minutes_Special TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH • TOWN COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES Town Hall / Commission Chambers Date: March 24, 2020 3614 South Ocean Boulevard Time: 1:30 PM Highland Beach, Florida 33487 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Zelniker called the meeting to order at 1 :30 P.M. She mentioned due to the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the Federal, State, County, and Town's State of Emergency a limited number of people were allowed in the Commission Chambers because of the social distancing requirements. The public could watch the meeting livestreamed online, on Channel 99, and outside in front of Town Hall. 2. PRESENT UPON ROLL CALL Commissioner Evalyn David Commissioner Barry Donaldson Commissioner Peggy Gossett-Seidman Vice Mayor Greg Babij - joined by telephone Mayor Rhoda Zelniker Town Attorney Glen Torcivia - joined by telephone Town Manager Marshall Labadie Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Town Commission led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silence for our troops. 4. CIVILITY PLEDGE Town Clerk Gaskins read the Civility Pledge. Mayor Zelniker commented about her six-year tenure as Commissioner and Mayor. She expressed how happy her heart. She mentioned that the employees were happy, and that the Town has excellent employees. She expounded on the many resolutions, attempts to update charter revisions, and all that the Commission during her time on the Commission. It has been a pleasure working with everyone and the different Commissioners. She mentioned that she received a tremendous amount of emails and text messages from so many people who thanked her for her six years of service. She thanked the residents who voted for her twice during the elections. She appreciated their Commission Special Meeting Minutes Date: March 24, 2020 Page 2 of 4 support and the kindness that they have shown her. The next team is ready and able to start immediately. We have been transitioning for some time. The new Commissioners are familiar with the issues and the projects that will be going on. She expressed how happy she was to have the new Commissioners. Lastly, she indicated one of the greatest accomplishments of the previous Commissioners was hiring Town Manager Marshall Labadie. 5. DECLARING THE GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS Mayor Zelniker read the title of Resolution No. 20-007 into the record. 1. RESOLUTION NO. 20-007 A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, DECLARING EACH UNOPPOSED CANDIDATE ELECTED TO OFFICE AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Town Manager Labadie introduced this item. Commissioner David had no comments. Commissioner Donaldson congratulated and welcomed Mayor Hillman, Commissioner Shoemaker, and Vice Mayor Babij. He mentioned this will be a formable Commission going forward, and he is excited about the future of the town. Commissioner Gossett-Seidman welcomed the incoming gentlemen and stated she looks forward to working with them in moving the town forward. Vice Mayor Babij thanked Commissioner Donaldson and Mayor Zelniker. He commented that he had learned a lot from both of them. Mayor Zelniker stated we have a diversified Commission, and it is going to be good. We have a good group of people serving on the Commission, and she looks forward to wonderful things from the Commission. She stated that Town Clerk Gaskins confirmed that staff had not received any public comments regarding this item. MOTION: Commissioner David moved to adopt Resolution No. 20-007 as written. Commissioner Gossett-Seidman seconded the motion. Upon roll call, the motion passed (5 to 0) unanimously. Mayor Zelniker announced that a Certificate of Appreciation would be given to the outgoing Commissioners. Town Manager Labadie presented Commissioner Donaldson and Mayor Zelniker with Certificates of Appreciation for their service to the Town of Highland Beach and the residents. Commission Special Meeting Minutes Date: March 24, 2020 Page 3 of 4 6. SWEARING IN AND SEATING OF THE NEWLY ELECTED OFFICIALS Mayor Zelniker introduced this item. Mr. Douglas Hillman and Mr. John Shoemaker were both at the meeting today. Mayor Zelniker mentioned that Town Clerk Gaskins administered the Oath of Office to Vice Mayor Babij via Skype at 11:21 A.M. today and witnessed by Deputy Town Clerk Beverly Wright. Town Clerk Gaskins administered the Oath of Office to Mayor. Douglas Hillman and Commissioner John Shoemaker for the office of Commissioner. 1. Mayor Douglas Hillman 2. Vice Mayor Babij 3. Commissioner John Shoemaker Mayor Hillman and Commissioner Shoemaker took their seats on the dais. 7. COMMENTS FROM TOWN COMMISSION 1. Commissioner John Shoemaker expound on his military experiences serving in Vietnam as a combat infantry lieutenant, managing the Americal Division's platoon in March of 1970. After Vietnam, he worked in private enterprise since 1971. He stated, here I am today, taking the oath for the second time to pledge to this country that I will do the best job that I can for the people of Highland Beach and Florida and the United States. He is pleased to support those who have supported him. He intends to keep some level of reasonability about the actions, try not to bit off more than one can chew, delivering those benefits that make sense for the community, and to encourage relationships that will help us going forward to the benefit of the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens. May God be with us. 2. Commissioner Evalyn David thanked Rhoda and Barry for the service they have provided for this town and helping the Commission towards getting the town back to where it should be. She stated she has worked with Greg and look forward to working with him longer. John and Doug, this is a very exciting time for the town and expect that we will do wonderful things in the future after the country calms down. 3. Commissioner Peggy Gossett-Seidman stated she reiterate Commissioner David's words and agreed wholeheartedly. She commented about the savings of not having an election, the bonus that came with the transaction, the volume of turnover, and Town Manager Labadie leading with Spartan talents. She looks forward to working with everyone. Commission Special Meeting Minutes Date: March 24, 2020 Page 4 of 4 4. Vice Mayor Greg Babij expressed he was very excited to work on the new commission. He commented about the three types of people in the world — innovators, implementors, and commentators. This commission is a great balance of innovator and implementor and no commentators. He stated he is excited to be a part of it and looking forward to next year. 5. Mayor Douglas Hillman stated that he believes we have a terrific Commission with a real varied background, and the addition here is two very seasoned executives coming from the private sector. This is a wonderful addition to the current commission. There are three seasoned Commissioners. He thanked Barry and Rhoda for their service to the town. We are very fortunate to have Marshall Labadie as the Town Manager, and he has been communicating brilliantly with the town and commission. Chief of Police Hartmann probably the best chief in the entire county. The Town is in extremely good hands, and there are seasoned people at the top and a great commission. He encouraged everyone to be calm, listen to the doctors, and listen to the scientist. Stay calm, be safe, and keep the distance. God be with you. Be safe. & ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Hillman called for a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:52 P.M. MOTION: Commissioner David moved to adjourn the meeting at 1:52 p.m., seconded by Commissioner Gossett-Seidman, which passed (5-0) unanimously. APPROVED at tihe September 1, 2020, Virtual Town Commission Meet g. ATTEST: ;` � Douglas Hillman, Mayor x �' •., f• Transcribed by Lanelda Gaskins .� •3A m'i•v • ff[[ r tan da Gaskins, MN4,C Date Town Clerk