2021.12.07_TC_Minutes_RegularTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
L50
TOWN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
410011,
Town Hall / Commission Chambers Date: December 07, 2021
3614 South Ocean Boulevard Time: 1:30 P.M.
Highland Beach, Florida 33487
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Hillman called the meeting to order at 1.30 P.M.
2. PRESENT UPON ROLL CALL
Commissioner John Shoemaker
Commissioner Evalyn David
Commissioner Peggy Gossett -Seidman
Vice Mayor Natasha Moore
Mayor Douglas Hillman
Town Manager Marshall Labadie
Town Attorney Glen Torcivia
Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Town Commission led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Commissioner Shoemaker added a "Presentation by the Natural Resources Preservation
Board Chairperson Steven Parks on Beach Raking" as Item 5.13. Therefore, the Beach
Rakers Presentation (Informational Only) became Item 5.C. under Presentations /
Proclamations.
Mayor Hillman added "Update on Educational Campaign for the Charter Questions" as
Item 11.E., under New Business.
MOTION: David/Moore - To approve the agenda as amended.
The motion passed unanimously on a 5 to 0 vote.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 07, 2021 Page 2 of 10
5. PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
A. Resolution No. 2021-036
A Resolution of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida,
ratifying the selection, appointments, and term of office of members of the Code
Enforcement Board; and providing for an effective date.
Mayor Hillman read the title of Resolution No. 2021-036.
Town Manager Labadie presented this item.
The Town Commission interviewed Mr. James Murray and inquired about his interest to
serve on the Code Enforcement Board.
MOTION: David/Gossett-Seidman - To approve Resolution No. 2021-036 appointing
James B. Murray to the Code Enforcement Board.
Resolution No. 2021-036 was approved unanimously on a 5 to 0 vote.
B. Presentation by the Natural Resources Preservation Board Chairperson Steven
Parks on Beach Raking (This item was added to the agenda)
Chairperson Parks presented a PowerPoint presentation and discussed beach raking on
the beach, beach raking equipment, an article on the necessity of seaweed also known
as sargassum on the beach, and showed a Permit issued by the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection for Beach Raking.
Mr. Robert Patek of 4217 South Ocean Boulevard, Highland Beach, Florida, provided
comments about the beach related to dogs on the beach, nuisances, beach cleaning, and
beach raking debris.
Town Clerk Gaskins passed out a handout provided by Mr. Patek that included his
recommendation to the Town Commission. Mayor Hillman asked that Mr. Patek consider
coming back to the Town Commission at a later date to provide the rest of his comments.
C. Beach Rakers Presentation (Information Only) (This item was formally 5B)
Mayor Hillman read the title of Item 5.C.
Town Manager Labadie explained the purpose of the item was to update the Town
Commission on beach raking.
Mr. Clayton Peart of Universal Beach Services, Corp., and Mr. Chip Jones of Beach Raker
was present. Both of the gentlemen spoke about beach raking in Highland Beach and
their equipment to rake the beach.
Mayor Hillman asked that Mr. Peart and Mr. Jones figure out a way to stop leaving tire
tracks on the beach.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 07, 2021 Page 3 of 10
Mr. Patek proceeded with his comments about beach raking on the beach related to trash
picked up, the burial of the debris, and tire ruts caused by the beach raker's equipment.
Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board Chairperson Parks also continued with
his comments about raking on the beach.
Following the presentations, Mayor Hillman suggested scheduling a follow-up discussion
early next year.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
A. Mr. Jeffrey Kleiman's Email
Town Clerk Gaskins read Mr. Jeffery Kleiman's email commending the Town
Commission, Town Manager and Police Chief on their latest achievement related to
public safety, such as the creation of the Fire and Rescue Department, the Police Marine
Unit, enhanced crosswalk lighting, safety flags, public education, and the Building
Recertification program.
Mr. Greg Harrington of 3115 Ocean Terrace inquired about the safety of the large group
of bicyclists traveling through the Town. Also, Town Manager Labadie and Chief of Police
Craig Hartmann provided remarks about the bicyclists and the Town's efforts on this
matter.
7. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Board Vacancies
Code Enforcement Board - One vacancy for an unexpired term ending September
2022
Financial Advisory Board - One vacancy for an unexpired term ending April 30, 2022
Mayor Hillman read the announcements as follows:
Meetings and Events
December 09, 2021 - 9.30 A.M. Planning Board Regular Meeting
December 21, 2021 - 1.30 P.M. Town Commission Meeting
December 24, 2021 - Town Hall Closed in Observance of the Christmas Holiday
Board Action Report
None.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 07, 2021 Page 4 of 10
8. ORDINANCES
A. Ordinance No. 2021-012 (Second Reading/Public Hearing)
An Ordinance of the Town of Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida,
calling for a referendum of the qualified electors of the Town of Highland Beach to
be held on March 08, 2022, as to whether Section 1.06(3) of the Town of Highland
Beach Charter shall be amended to increase the term limits for the positions of
Mayor, Vice -Mayor and Commissioner; providing for notice and advertising of the
referendum; providing for referendum canvassing; providing for severability, the
repeal of laws in conflict, codification, and an effective date. (First Reading was
November 09, 2021).
Mayor Hillman read the title of Ordinance No. 2021-012.
There were no public comments during the public hearing.
MOTION: David/Moore - To approve Ordinance No. 2021-012.
Based upon roll call, Ordinance No. 2021-012 was adopted unanimously on a 5 to
0 vote.
B. Ordinance No. 2021-013 (Second Reading/Public Hearing)
An Ordinance of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida,
calling for a referendum of the qualified electors of the Town of Highland Beach to
be held on March 08, 2022, as to whether Section 2.01(31) of the Town of Highland
Beach Charter shall be adopted to provide that the Town may not outsource,
abolish, merge with, sell or otherwise transfer managerial control and decision
making to any other entity, the essential services of Fire Rescue, Police or Water
unless approved by a referendum vote of the electorate; providing for notice and
advertising of the referendum; providing for referendum canvassing; providing for
severability, the repeal of laws in conflict, codification, and an effective date. (First
Reading was November 09, 2021)
Mayor Hillman read the title of Ordinance No. 2021-013. There were discussions about
amending the ballot summary to include the words "transfer control." It was the consensus
of the Town Commission to add the language "transfer control" to the referendum ballot
question.
There were no public comments during the public hearing.
MOTION: David/Moore - To approve Ordinance No. 2021-013, as amended.
Based upon roll call, Ordinance No. 2021-013 was adopted unanimously on a 5 to
0 vote.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 07, 2021 Page 5 of 10
C. Ordinance No. 2021-014 (Second Reading/Public Hearing)
An Ordinance of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida,
calling for a referendum of the qualified electors of the Town of Highland Beach to
be held on March 08, 2022, as to whether Section 3.02(1) of the Town of Highland
Beach Charter shall be amended to allow the Town Manager and Finance Director
to sign checks for payment of the Town's lawful debts; providing for notice and
advertising of the referendum; providing for referendum canvassing; providing for
severability, the repeal of laws in conflict, codification, and an effective date. (First
Reading was November 09, 2021)
Mayor Hillman read the title of Ordinance No. 2021-014.
There were no public comments during the public hearing.
MOTION: David/Moore - To adopt Ordinance No. 2021-014.
Based upon roll call, Ordinance No. 2021-014 was adopted unanimously on a 5 to
0 vote.
D. Ordinance No. 2021-015 (Second Reading/Public Hearing)
An Ordinance of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida,
calling for a referendum of the qualified electors of the Town of Highland Beach to
be held on March 08, 2022, as to whether Section 3.05 of the Town of Highland
Beach Charter shall be amended to provide the establishing of the salaries of the
Mayor and Commissioners by ordinance; providing for notice and advertising of
the referendum; providing for referendum canvassing; providing for severability,
the repeal of laws in conflict, codification, and an effective date. (First Reading was
November 09, 2021)
Mayor Hillman read the title of Ordinance No. 2021-015. Discussion followed about
including additional language to the ballot summary related to increasing the Town
Commission salaries up to five percent (5%). Therefore, the language would read as
follows: "shall not be increased by more than five percent (5%) per year."
The public hearing was open for comments from the public.
Mr. John Ross of Casuarina commented about elected officials giving themselves a salary
increase and facing the voters.
Town Commission discussion continued about narrowing down an exact percentage for
Mayor and Commissioners salary increase.
There were no further public comments, so the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: David/Moore- To approve Ordinance No.2021-015 as amended
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 07, 2021 Page 6 of 10
Based upon roll call, Ordinance No. 2021-015 was adopted unanimously on a 5 to
0 vote.
E. Ordinance No. 2021-016 (Second Reading/Public Hearing)
An Ordinance of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida,
calling for a referendum of the qualified electors of the Town of Highland Beach to
be held on March 08, 2022, as to whether Section 3.05 of the Town of Highland
Beach Charter shall be amended to revise the funding limits; providing for notice
and advertising of the referendum; providing for referendum canvassing;
providing for severability, the repeal of laws in conflict, codification, and an
effective date. (First Reading was November 09, 2021)
Mayor Hillman read the title of Ordinance No. 2021-016.
There was a comprehensive discussion on whether or not there should be a concrete
number to increase the funding limits or if the charter should contain a percentage.
The public hearing was open for comments from the public.
Mr. John Ross of Casuarina commented about this matter related to the funding
limitations.
There were no further public comments, so the public hearing was closed.
MOTION: David/Moore - To adopt Ordinance No. 2021-016.
Based upon roll call, Ordinance No. 2021-016 was adopted on a 4 to 1 vote, with
Commissioner Gossett -Seidman dissenting.
F. Ordinance No. 2021-018 (Second Reading/Public Hearing)
An Ordinance of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, amending the code of
ordinances, Chapter 12 "Construction Sites," Chapter 25 "Streets, Sidewalks and
BicycleMalkway Paths," Chapter 28 "Xeriscape-landscape requirements,
installation, and maintenance" and Chapter 30, "Zoning Code," to allow for certain
improvements and to provide protection of swales located within the public right-
of-way. (First Reading was November 09, 2021).
Mayor Hillman read the title of Ordinance No. 2021-018.
Town Planner Allen presented this item.
MOTION: David/Moore - To adopt Ordinance No. 2021-018 as presented.
There were no public comments during the public hearing.
Based upon roll call, Ordinance No. 2021-018 was adopted unanimously on a 5 to
0 vote.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 07, 2021 Page 7 of 10
1. Resolution No. 2021-041
A Resolution of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida
requiring Town Commission review and approval of Right -of -Way Permits for
construction of improvements or placement of trees in new locations within State
Road A1A right-of-way; providing for automatic repeal; and providing for an
effective date.
MOTION: David/Moore - To adopt Resolution No. 2021-041 as presented.
There were no public comments during the public hearing.
Based upon roll call, Resolution No. 2021-041 was adopted unanimously on a 5 to
0 vote.
9. CONSENT AGENDA
A. None.
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mayor Hillman called for a 10-minute recess at 4.10 P.M. The meeting resumed at 4:18
P. M.
A. Discussion of the Fund Balance Guidelines. Vice Mayor Moore
Vice Mayor Moore presented a PowerPoint presentation of the Fund Balance Guidelines.
Mayor Hillman suggested that the Financial Advisory Board review the Fund Balance
Guidelines, make a recommendation, and then Town staff would present it to the Town
Commission in February.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution No. 2021-042 — Designating the Members to the Town's Canvassing
Board
A Resolution of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida,
calling a General Election to be held on Tuesday, March 08, 2022, for the purpose
of submitting to the electorate five (5) proposed referendum questions, directing
the election to be held within the municipal boundaries of the town between the
hours of 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.; requesting the Palm Beach County Supervisor
of Elections to conduct the Town's General Election; providing for the publication
of notice of the General Election; designating the members of the town's
canvassing board; and providing for severability, conflicts and an effective date.
Mayor Hillman read the title of Resolution No. 2021-042.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 07, 2021
Page 8 of 10
MOTION: David/Hillman - To approve Resolution No. 2021-042 designating Vice
Mayor Natasha Moore as a Highland Beach Canvassing Board member.
Resolution No. 2021-042 passed unanimously on a 5 to 0 vote.
B. Approve the purchase of the Fluid Watercraft marine boat in the amount of
$163,799.00 for the Highland Beach Police Department Marine Patrol Unit.
Mayor Hillman read the title of item 11.B. into the record.
Chief of Police Hartmann introduced this item.
Town Attorney Torcivia mentioned preparing a Standard Addendum Agreement for this
purchase.
MOTION: David/Gossett-Seidman - To approve the purchase of the Fluid Watercraft
marine board in the amount of $163,799.00 for the Highland Beach Police
Department Marine Patrol Unit.
The motion passed unanimously on a 5 to 0 vote.
C. Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board November 03, 2021
recommendations.
Mayor Hillman read the title of item 11.C. into the record.
Town Planner Ingrid Allen presented and spoke about the Natural Resources
Preservation Advisory Board November 03, 2021 recommendations.
There were discussions about the condition of the beaches, adding more bucket trees,
and how the condominiums maintain their beaches. There was also discussion on
whether or not there should be an ordinance restricting tire tracks on the beach.
D. Approval of Commission Meeting Minutes
Mayor Hillman read the title of item 11.D. into record.
November 09, 2021 Commission Meeting Minutes
December 02, 2021 Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: David/Moore - To approve the November 09, 2021 and December 02, 2021
Commission Meeting Minutes as amended.
The Meeting Minutes were approved unanimously on a 5 to 0 vote.
E. Update on Educational Campaign for the Charter Questions (This item was added
to the agenda)
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 07, 2021
Page 9 of 10
Mayor Hillman read the title of Item 11.E.
Terisha Cuebas, Assistant to the Town Manager, presented a PowerPoint presentation
updating the Town Commission on the nine -week educational campaign related to the
Charter recommendations.
12. TOWN COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner John Shoemaker had no comments.
Commissioner Evalyn David reminded everyone that it was Pearl Harbor Day.
Commissioner Peggy Gossett -Seidman mentioned she would bring back a year-end
report.
Vice Mayor Natasha Moore commented that the food truck event was fun and stated that
Commissioner Shoemaker's letter was well done.
Mayor Douglas Hillman inquired about updates from Rubin, Turnbull & Associations,
Inc. (the lobbying firm). Commissioner Gossett -Seidman explained that there are
proposed redistricting which may affect the senator seat.
Mayor Hillman has a speaking engagement with the Beach Condo Association and Palm
Beach County Mayor Robert Weinroth at Waterstone on December 21, 2021 at 9.30 A.M.
13. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Town Attorney Torcivia had nothing to report.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: December 07, 2021
Page 10 of 10
14. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
Town Manager Labadie reported the following related to the Fire and Rescue:
There has been significant progress made on the project.
Palm Beach County appears to be supportive of the Town.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue will provide dispatch services for the Town.
Town Attorney Torcivia commented about Palm Beach County's support of the Town's
fire and rescue emergency medical services (EMS).
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5.52 P.M.
APPROVED on January 04, 2022, Town Commission Special Meeting.
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Transcribed by Ganelle Thompson
Administrative Support Specialist
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Disclaimer: Effective May 19, 2020, per Resolution No. 20-008, all meeting minutes are
transcribed as a brief summary reflecting the event of this meeting. Verbatim audio/video
recordings are permanent records and are available on the Town's Media Archives &
Minutes webpage-. https-//highlandbeach-fl.municodemeetings.com/.