2023.06.06_TC_Minutes_RegularTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
TOWN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM, Date: June 06, 2023
3618 S. OCEAN BLVD., Time: 1:30 PM
HIGHLAND BEACH, FL
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 1:30 P.M.
2. ROLL CALL
Commissioner Judith M. Goldberg
Commissioner Donald Peters
Commissioner Evalyn David
Vice Mayor David Stern
Mayor Natasha Moore
Town Manager Marshall Labadie
Town Attorney Glen Torcivia
Town Clerk Lanelda Gaskins
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Town Commission led the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
4. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: David/Stern - Moved to approve the agenda as presented, which passed
unanimously 5 to 0.
5. PRESENTATIONS /PROCLAMATIONS
A. State Legislative Updates
Representative Peggy Gossett -Seidman, District 91
Senator Lori Berman, District 26
Lobbyist Jared Rosenstein with Capital City Consulting
State Senator Lori Berman gave an update on the State Legislative changes. The
total budget is 117 billion dollars, 10 billion dollars have been put into reserves
and 41 billion dollars came from the Federal Government. She brought back 23.5
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: June 06, 2023
Page 2 of 7
million dollars to Palm Beach County for different projects. She gave an overview
of the preemptions as it relates to residents' ability to file a lawsuit related to local
ordinances, public construction, and residential tenancies. She mentioned that
there have been changes to the ethical form requirements for local
Commissioners.
State Representative Gossett -Seidman commented that Palm Beach County has
the best legislative delegation in the state. She had eight bills running, three of
which are being held back until the Fall, one of which is a Safe Waterway Act.
The HOA bills were tweaked and talked about, and the building recertification has
passed. The big challenge was not having enough inspectors, so they allowed
the Attorney General to hire inspectors to give the local government more input.
She spoke about the homeowner insurance situation. Those with Citizen
Insurance are being given up to 2027 to add on flood insurance.
State Senator Berman mentioned that the Town of Highland Beach received state
appropriations in the amount of $250,000 for the Climate Vulnerability/Clean
Water Project - Lift Stations Rehabilitation.
Lobbyist Jared Rosenstein, Capital City Consulting, provided an update on
several bills. The sovereign immunity bill, a problem for smaller municipalities,
did not pass. It will be reviewed next year, and he encouraged the Town Manager
to participate in Palm Beach County Legislative Days next year.
He spoke about Senate Bill 250, Natural Emergencies, which is a rewrite of
Florida Chapter 252. The State must provide municipalities with model debris
contracts and model debris RFP's. This will be helpful and stabilize the
marketplace when there is an emergency response.
The budget has been given to the Governor and he will decide, and The Budget
Turkey Watch Report will not sway the Governor's decisions. His job is to build a
brand for the Town and make connections with leadership in Tallahassee, but
Highland Beach is in a healthy position as it stands.
He spoke about how it is very hard to get funding for Emergency Management
projects. He advised the Town to have a workshop before the next session to
discuss projects that they want to put forth. Municipalities have a lot of
opportunities to go after grants from FDOT (Florida Department of
Transportation) and the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection).
There was a brief discussion about water projects. He suggested having a
workshop in the first week in September and that he will be working with the Town
Manager. There was also conversation about the $250,000 state appropriations
and that next year an aggressive approach to the budget would be successful.
He suggested submitting two or three good projects.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: June 06, 2023
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
7. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Moore read the announcements as follows:
Board Vacancies
Board of Adjustment and Appeals
Natural Resources Preservation
Advisory Board
Meetings and Events
June 08, 2023 - 9:30 A.M.
June 13, 2023 - 1:00 P.M.
June 20. 2023 - 1:30 PM
Board Action Report
None
8. ORDINANCES
None.
Page 3 of 7
Two (2) vacancies, all for three-year
terms and
One (1) vacancy for an unexpired term
ending September 21, 2024
Two (2) vacancies for unexpired terms
ending April 30, 2024
Planning Board Regular Meeting
Code Enforcement Board Regular
Meeting
Town Commission Special Meeting
9. CONSENT AGENDA (These are items that the Commission typically does not need
to discuss individually, and which are voted on as a group.)
A. Approval of Meeting Minutes
May 02, 2023 Town Commission Meeting Minutes
May 16, 2023 Town Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: David/Stern- Moved to approve the May 02, 2023, and May 16,
2023, Town Commission meeting minutes as presented, which
passed unanimously 5 to 0. (The Consent Agenda was
approved.)
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: June 06, 2023
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Page 4 of 7
A. Update on Planning Board's ongoing discussion of proposed changes
("amendment concepts") to the Accessory Marine Facility and seawall
regulations of the Town Code
Town Planner Allen provided an update on the Planning Board's ongoing
discussion of the proposed changes (amendment concepts") to the Accessory
Marine Facility and seawall regulations of the Town Code.
There were conversations about public input as it relates to the setbacks and
accommodating various communities. Commissioner David explained that she
would like to talk about zoning and suggested that Byrd Beach Community should
be allowed to have 25 feet setbacks.
The next step is for the Planning Board to continue to discuss this at their June
08, 2023 meeting.
Commissioner Goldberg inquired about a mapping of the Town and Town
Planner Allen responded that she provided maps to the Planning Board.
Mayor Moore inquired about having a future meeting on density. Town Manager
Labadie explained that that discussion was put on hold so the new
Commissioners could get their footing and it will be discussed at a future meeting.
B. Fire Rescue Implementation Update
Fire Glenn Joseph provided an update on the Fire Rescue Implementation as it
relates to the construction and onboarding administrative staff. He introduced Ms.
Silvi Pierre, Administrative Coordinator, and Mr. Matthew Welhart, Assistant Fire
Chief/ Community Risk Reduction. The project has been moving along and is on
track.
C. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) RRR Project Update
Town Manager Labadie explained that FDOT was moving forward, and that they
sent a set of drawings last week. He received additional comments from residents
about moving an AT&T box. Also, there was a request for an additional crosswalk
at 3200 So. Ocean Blvd. He will be meeting with one of our engineers to discuss
what can we done to improve safety, however FDOT will not be adding that to
their project.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: June 06, 2023 Page 5 of 7
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resolution No. 2023-012
A Resolution of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach,
Florida amending its Fund Balance Policy to assign additional funds for the
Fire Rescue Department.
Mayor Moore read the title of Resolution No. 2023-012.
Finance Director David DiLena presented this item.
MOTION: David/Stern- Moved to approve Resolution No. 2023-012. Upon
roll call: Commissioner David (Yes); Vice Mayor Stern (Yes);
Commissioner Goldberg (Yes); Commissioner Peters (Yes); and
Mayor Moore (Yes). The motion passed 5 to 0.
B. Resolution No. 2023-013
A Resolution of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach,
Florida amending Resolution No. 2022-020, which appropriated funds for
the 2022-2023 Fiscal Year budget, and providing an effective date.
Mayor Moore read the title of Resolution No. 2023-013.
Finance Director David DiLena presented this item.
MOTION: David/Stern - Moved to approve Resolution No. 2023-013. Upon
roll call: Commissioner David (Yes); Vice Mayor Stern (Yes);
Commissioner Goldberg (Yes); Commissioner Peters (Yes); and
Mayor Moore (Yes). The motion passed 5 to 0.
12. TOWN COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Judith M. Goldberg acknowledged and thanked State Representative
Peggy Gossett -Seidman, District 91, and Senator Berman for coming to the meeting.
Commissioner Donald Peters commented about the cost of insurance increasing.
Commissioner Evalyn David mentioned that she met with Marcy Woodward and four
representatives from the Palm Beach Parks and Recreation Department, in a
personal capacity, regarding the Milani Park property. She acknowledged State
Representative Gossett -Seidman, District 91.
Vice Mayor Stern mentioned that the windows within his condominium building were
at 45% in reference to turtle lighting.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: June 06, 2023
Page 6 of 7
Mayor Natasha Moore commented that a list of future agenda items was placed in
the Manager's Monthly and briefly spoke about communicating with the residents to
increase meeting participation.
There was a discussion about communicating with residents in regard to upcoming
project costs and budget meetings.
13. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Town Attorney Torcivia had no comments.
14. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
Town Manger Labadie reported the following:
The Town received good news as it relates to property values. There is a 13%
improvement in revenue on the property side.
He reminded everyone that the trash rates were reported in the Manager's Minutes
which will go into effect in June.
He will be signing a professional services agreement with NodeO IT Consultants and
the additional cost is less than $25,000.
Insurance rates are going up and not getting any better. The anticipated cost next
year would be about a 50% increase, and all insurance costs are going up -
automobile, homeowners, and flood, etcetera.
Mayor Moore asked Town Manager Labadie to shop for insurance. He said they will
research all options and information will be brought back to the Town Commission for
discussion.
He will send an email to the Town Commission from a resident in regard to sea turtle
nest communication. The Town may send a direct mailing to residents about sea
turtle nests.
Mayor Moore asked about sending the information to the Natural Resource
Preservation Advisory Board.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: June 06, 2023
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 3:55 P.M.
APPROVED: June 20, 2QZaTown Commission Meeting.
ATTEST:
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L%nelda Gaskins, MMC
Town Clerk
Page 7 of 7
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Natasha Moore, Mayor
Transcribed by
Jaclyn DeHart and Lanelda Gaskins
06/20/2023
Date
Disclaimer: Effective May 19, 2020, per Resolution No. 20-008, all meeting minutes
are transcribed as a brief summary reflecting the events of this meeting. Verbatim
audio/video recordings are permanent records and are available on the Town's Media
Archives & Minutes webpage: hftps://highlandbeach-fl.municodemeetings.com/.