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2022.03.15_TC_Minutes_Regular TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH . z TOWN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Town Hall / Commission Chambers Date: March 15, 2022 3614 South Ocean Boulevard Time: 1:30 PM Highland Beach, Florida 33487 1. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Hillman called the meeting to order at 1:30 P.M. 2. ROLL CALL Commissioner John Shoemaker Commissioner Evalyn David (arrived at 1:31 P.M.) Commissioner Peggy Gossett-Seidman Vice Mayor Natasha Moore Mayor Douglas Hillman Town Manager Marshall Labadie Town Attorney Glen Torcivia (arrived at 1:31 P.M.) Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Town Commission led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA MOTION: Moore/Gossett-Seidman - Moved to approve the agenda as presented, which passed unanimously 4 to 0. 5. DECLARING A CANDIDATE ELECTED TO OFFICE A. Resolution No. 2022-006 A Resolution of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, declaring an unopposed candidate elected to office and providing for an effective date. Mayor Hillman read Resolution No. 2022-006. MOTION: Moore/Hillman - Moved to approve Resolution No. 2022-006, which passed unanimously 5 to 0. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: March 15, 2022 Page 2 of 7 6. DECLARING THE MARCH 08, 2022 ELECTION RESULTS A. Resolution No. 2022-007 A Resolution of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach, Florida, declaring the results of the Municipal Referendum Election held on March 08, 2022; providing an effective date; and for other purposes. Mayor Hillman read the title of Resolution No. 2022-007. MOTION: Moore/Hillman - Moved to approve Resolution No. 2022-007, which passed unanimously 5 to 0. 7. SWEARING IN AND SEATING OF ELECTED OFFICIAL A. Evalyn David Town Clerk Gaskins swore in Commissioner Evalyn David. 8. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Barry Donaldson of 3700 South Ocean Boulevard talked about the past referendum failures, the March 08, 2022 referendum ballot questions, community building activities, and the advisory and quasi-judicial board members promoting civil discourse. Mr. David Axelrod of 3700 South Ocean Boulevard talked about the Town Commission's previous selection and interview process of the Charter Review Board members, the five referendum ballot questions, and engaging the Planning Board on matters such as the accessory marine facilities. Mr. Jack Halpern, a resident of 26 years, talked about the voter turnout at the March 08, 2022 referendum election, the Town using public relations firms to develop "educational mailing," and the transition of the Committee to Save Highland Beach (CSHB). 9. ANNOUNCEMENTS Mayor Hillman read the announcements as follows: Board Vacancies Natural Resources Preservation Advisory Board - One vacancy for an unexpired term ending April 30, 2024 Planning Board - One vacancy for a three-year term Meetings and Events Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: March 15, 2022 Page 3 of 7 April 05, 2022 - 1:30 P.M. Town Commission Meeting April 12, 2022 - 1:00 P.M. Code Enforcement Board Regular Meeting April 14, 2022 - 9.30 A.M. Planning Board Regular Meeting Board Action Report None. 10. ORDINANCES A. None. 11. CONSENT AGENDA A. None. 12. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Water Sewer Billing Update. Vice Mayor Moore Vice Mayor Moore introduced this item. She presented a PowerPoint illustrating the water bills by type for single-family residents, condominiums, the church, the commercial and government properties from April 2021 to February 2022 and April 2020 to February 2021 (a comparison of 12 months). She also spoke about the rate reductions, rate increases, and the changes in the water consumption in the condominiums and single-family residents. 13. NEW BUSINESS A. Introduction to a proposed amendment to the Town Code of Ordinances regarding Accessory Marine Facilities. Mayor Hillman announced this item. Town Planner Ingrid Allen explained that this item was a proposed amendment to the Accessory Marine Facilities provisions of the zoning code. Mr. Greg Babij (the former Vice-Mayor and sponsor of this item) presented a PowerPoint demonstrating a three-dimensional box that sits on the rear property line of a waterfront lot. In addition, he discussed the revisions to the proposed accessory marine facilities ordinance and summarized the recommendations (for more information about this item, please visit the Town's Media Archives & Minutes webpage to access and view the audio/video recording). Mayor Hillman opened the item for comments from the public. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: March 15, 2022 Page 4 of 7 Mr. Thomas Steven of 2358 South Ocean Boulevard was opposed to the proposed changes. Mr. Karl Johanson was opposed to the proposed changes related to number five. Mr. David Axelrod suggested that the Town Commission send the proposed accessory marine facilities ordinance to the Planning Board for further review and input. The public comments were closed. Mr. Babij recommended that the Town Commission survey the waterfront property owners and consider different setbacks for docks versus boat lifts or docks versus any other apparatus. The Town Commission's consensus was to send the proposed ordinance to the Planning Board for review and compose key points for input from the residents. Subsequently, develop a mailing to send to those waterfront property owners. Additionally, town staff would identify the waterfront property owners. B. March 2022 Referendum — Lessons Learned. Vice Mayor Moore Vice Mayor Moore presented this item. She explained that the key takeaway from the residents was 1) the repeated mistakes from the past referendums, 2) the lack of input of the general public, 3) the residents want to be more empowered as opposed to empowering the Town Commission, and 4) the educational campaign could have occurred prior to finalizing of the ballot questions. She also talked about working together, obtaining the input of the advisory boards and committees as an effective way to get people involved, and the statistics/data of the election results, including the voter turnout. Lastly, she stated that the voters and residents need to take the initiatives to provide feedback. Mayor Hillman opened the item for comments from the public. Mr. Jack Halpern provided comments about educating the public and advanced dialogue and getting more town residents involved in the Committee to Save Highland Beach (CSHB) to work together with Town Commission. Mr. David Axelrod commented on the impact of the pandemic, and the timing of the referendum ballot questions. The public comments were closed. There were discussions about the lack of public involvement, the misinformation and negative campaigning concerning the referendum ballot questions, the adversarial approach, and the need for community teamwork. Additionally, there were conversations about the Town Commission accomplishments. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: March 15, 2022 Page 5 of 7 C. Mission and Vision Statements for Strategic Plan - Vice Mayor Moore The Town Commission's consensus was to BE TABLED this item until April 05, 2022, Town Commission meeting. D. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute an agreement with Aquifer Maintenance and Performance, Inc. ("AMPS") in the amount of $52,125.00 for the rehabilitation of Well No. 6. Public Works Director Pat Roman presented this item. MOTION: David/Moore - Moved to approve the contract with Aquifer Maintenance and Performance, Inc ("AMPS"), which passed unanimously 5 to 0. E. Approve and authorize the Mayor to execute a Financial Advisory Services agreement with Ford & Associates for financial advisor services related to Fire Station #6 construction/renovation. Mayor Hillman announced this item. Town Manager Labadie presented this item. He explained that the Town need to obtain a municipal advisor for financial services to procure one or more loans for the existing Fire Station #6. In addition, Town Attorney Torcivia explained why it was essential for the Town to have a municipal financial advisor and bond counsel. MOTION: David/Moore - To accept the contract with Ford & Associates for financial advisor services related to Fire Station #6 construction/renovation, which passed unanimously 5 to 0. F. Approval of Highland Beach Canvassing Board Meeting Minutes February 17, 2022, Logic and Accuracy Test Minutes February 25, 2022, Canvassing Board Minutes March 07, 2022, Canvassing Board Minutes March 08, 2022, Canvassing Board Minutes March 10, 2022, Canvassing Board Minutes MOTION: Moore/Gossett-Seidman - Moved to approve Item 13.F., which passed unanimously 5 to 0. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: March 15, 2022 Page 6 of 7 G. Approval of Commission Meeting Minutes January 18, 2022, Commission Meeting Minutes MOTION: Gossett-Seidman/Moore — Moved to approve January 18, 2022, Commission Meeting Minutes as amended, which passed unanimously 5 to 0. 14. TOWN COMMISSION COMMENTS Commissioner John Shoemaker had no comments. Commissioner Evalyn David had no comments. Commissioner Peggy Gossett-Seidman announced that Florida State Representative Michael Caruso, District 89, has organized an in-person visit for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee (FWC) to come to the Town. They will review/check the speeds and the wakes during the high tides. She talked about the legislative updates as follows: 1) the Tree Protection Bill passed, 2) the Smoking in Public Places Bill may be regulated by municipalities, 3) the Local Business Damages Bill was watered down, 4) the Cybersecurity Bill was favored and supported; 5) the Department of Environmental Services tightening the rules for clean-up concerning the PFAS Polyfluoroalkyl Substance) in plastic; 6) the Short- term Rentals Bill failed, and 7) the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Workers Compensation Bill passed. She mentioned that Florida House of Representative Rick Roth, District 85, sponsored the Communication Marketing by municipalities. Vice Mayor Natasha Moore recommended adding an ongoing agenda item under Unfinished Business regarding updates on the Fire Rescue Project. Mayor Douglas Hillman spoke about the potential development of townhomes on a vacant lot owned by Ms. Milani adjacent to Boca Highland's north entrance area. He mentioned that he has proposed that they become members of the Boca Highland Association. The negotiations are in progress regarding this matter. 15. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT Town Attorney Torcivia spoke about Town Attorney Aleksandr Boksner. 16. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Town Manager Labadie provided the following update on the Fire Rescue project: The town is now soliciting requests for qualifications (RFQ) for the Construction Manager at Risk. The design for the Fire Rescue Department is being refined for option one. Town Commission Meeting Minutes Date: March 15, 2022 Page 7 of 7 He is looking at options for the EMS and fire rescue vehicles. Building Official Jeffrey Remas and Consultant Glen Joseph are reviewing the Fire Prevention Code. The Fire Prevention ordinance will be presented to the Town Commission in April. The COPCN (Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity) materials are making progress. Also, the job descriptions and organization chart for the Fire Department are being created. Medical Director Doctor Cohen is retiring. However, he is willing to remain part of the team to help the Town through the process. Over the next few months, he will meet with each Commissioner individually to discuss the recruitment and hiring process for the Fire Chief position. Mayor Hillman asked for an update on the Marina Patrol Unit. Chief Hartmann reported that he has received positive feedback from the community/residents about the Marina Patrol Unit's visibility on the Intracoastal waterways. 17. ADJOURNMENT Meeting adjourned at 5.20 P.M. APPROVED on May 17, 2022, Town Commission Meeting. of .,P•oLANo / •'pR R,�l•%B f 32.2o Fa �.-- ATTEST: 0; 1949 1= Dougi6s Hillman, Mayor •.••SEAL•.••* Transcribed by M yhCO•••••P Lanelda Gaskins C:� lie, May 17, 2022 a elda Gaskins, M C Date Town Clerk 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/.