2023.10.17_TC_Minutes_RegularTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
TOWN COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
LIBRARY COMMUNITY ROOM
3618 S. OCEAN BLVD.
HIGHLAND BEACH, FL
1.CALL TO ORDER
Date: October 17, 2023
Time: 1 :30 P.M.
Mayor Moore called the meeting to order at 1 :30 P.M.
2.ROLL CALL
Commissioner Judith 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,
followed by a moment of silence for Israel.
4.APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Mayor Moore added Resolution No. 2023-032 to the agenda as Item 5.A., and former
Item 5.A., Resolution No. 2023-030, was moved to Item 5.B. under Presentations /
Proclamations.
MOTION: David/Stern -Moved to approve the agenda as amended, which passed
unanimously 5 to 0.
5.PRESENTATIONS / PROCLAMATIONS
A.Resolution No. 2023-032 (Item added to the agenda as Item 5.A.)
A Resolution of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach,
Florida, expressing the Town's support of the State of Israel; and providing
for an effective date.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: October 17, 2023 Page 2 of 8
Mayor Moore introduced this item.
MOTION: Peters/Goldberg — Moved to approve Resolution No. 2023-032,
which passed unanimously 5 to 0.
B. Resolution No. 2023-030 (Formally Item 5.A.)
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 Planning Board; and providing for an effective date.
Mayor Moore read the title of Resolution No. 2023-030. The two applicants for
consideration were Eve Rosen and David Axelrod. The Town Commission
interviewed Mr. Axelrod. He voiced his interest in serving on the Planning Board.
Ms. Rosen was not present at the meeting.
MOTION: Moore/Stern — Moved to approve Resolution No. 2023-030,
appointing David Axelrod to the Planning Board. Upon a roll call:
Mayor Moore (Yes); Vice Mayor Stern (Yes); Commissioner
Goldberg (Yes); Commissioner Peters (Yes); and Commissioner
David (Yes). The motion passed unanimously 5 to 0.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
7. ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Moore read the announcements as follows:
Board Vacancies
Board of Adjustment and Appeals Two (2) vacancies for a three-year term and
One (1) vacancy for an unexpired term ending
September 21, 2024
Meetings and Events
November 01, 2023 11:00 A.M. Natural Resources Preservation Advisory
Board Regular Meeting
November 07, 2023 1:30 P.M. Town Commission Meeting
Board Action Report
None.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: October 17, 2023 Page 3 of 8
8. ORDINANCES
A. Resolution No. 2023-031
A Resolution 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 19, 2024, as to whether the Town shall
be authorized to (A) finance and implement a Sanitary Sewer Lining
Rehabilitation Project to repair, replace, and prevent structural damage to
the sewer lines for a not to exceed cost of$3.5 million dollars, and (B) issue
its General Obligation Bonds, payable from the full faith and unlimited Ad
Valorem Taxing Power of the Town, in an aggregate principal amount not
to exceed $3.5 million dollars to finance the cost thereof; providing for
notice and advertising of the referendum; providing for referendum
canvassing and for other purposes; providing for severability, conflicts,
and an effective date.
Mayor Moore introduced this item. At the October 3rd meeting, the Town
Commission made a recommendation to add the word "rehabilitation" before the
word "project" in the title of the resolution.
Town Manager Labadie provided comments about the age and condition of the
current pipes, the future lining of the existing clay pipes, and what would happen
if the referendum question did not go forward in March. Breakage in the sewer
system would lead to emergency replacement and could cause significant
inconveniences for residents at a much higher cost. He also commented on open
excavation, the 2021 competitive solicitation (bids), the gravity sewer system
closed circuit videos, a state revolving grant program, and the lobbyist assisting
with state appropriations for the project.
Moore opened the item for public comments. Hearing none, she closed the public
comments.
MOTION: David/Stern — Moved to approve Resolution No. 2023-031 with a not
more than 30-year payout. Upon roll call: Commissioner David
Yes); Vice Mayor Stern (Yes); Commissioner Goldberg (Yes);
Commissioner Peters (Yes); and Mayor Moore (Yes). The motion
passed unanimously 5 to 0.
B. Ordinance No. 2023-004
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 19, 2024, as to whether the Funding
Limitation of$350,000, set forth in Section 2.01(30) of the Town of Highland
Beach Charter, shall be adjusted to $900,000 to account for the past 32
years of inflation and be adjusted annually thereafter on June 1st
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: October 17, 2023 Page 4 of 8
beginning In 2025) in accordance with the Regional Consumer Price Index
MSA); 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.
Mayor Moore introduced this item.
Finance Director David DiLena commented on the consumer price index.
Mayor Moore suggested adding a new Whereas clause as to when the Town
established the $350,000 funding limitation.
Mayor Moore opened the item for public comments.
Mr. Rick Greenwald provided comments.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Moore closed the public comments.
There was further discussion about the language for the new Whereas clause.
Town Attorney Torcivia suggested the following: "Whereas, the funding limitation
of $350,000 set forth in the Town's Charter at Section 2.01(30) was established
in 1992."
MOTION: David/Peters — Moved to approve Ordinance No. 2023-004 on first
reading with the addition of a whereas clause specifically stating, "the
funding limitation of $350,000 set forth in the Town's Charter at
Section 2.01(30) was established in 1992." The motion passed
unanimously 5 to 0.
C. Ordinance No. 2023-005
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 19, 2024, as to whether the Town Of
Highland Beach shall amend its Charter at Article I, Section 1.06(7) to
provide the Town Commission the discretion to designate, by resolution,
the Palm Beach County Canvassing Board to serve as Highland Beach's
canvassing board during the uniform municipal elections; 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.
Mayor Moore introduced this item. The Town Commission discusses the
designation of the canvassing board by resolution annually, the current municipal
canvassing board as written in the Town's Charter, and the responsibility of the
canvassing board.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: October 17, 2023 Page 5 of 8
Mayor Moore suggested including an additional Whereas clause concerning the
Town saving money by using the County Canvassing Board.
Town Attorney Torcivia suggested adding the language to the sixth Whereas
clause. The language would read as follows: "Whereas, the Town Commission
hereby finds that it is in the best interests of the Town, saves the town money,
and serves the public health, welfare, and safety to amend its Charter at Article
I, Section 1.06(7) to allow the town commission to delegate, by resolution, the
Palm Beach County Canvassing Board to serve as Highland Beach's canvassing
board during Uniform Municipal Elections.
Mayor Moore opened the public comments. Hearing none, she closed the public
comments.
MOTION: David/Goldberg — Moved to approve Ordinance No. 2023-005 with
the amended Whereas clause. The motion passed unanimously 5
to 0.
D. Proposed Ordinance
An Ordinance of the Town Commission of the Town of Highland Beach,
Florida, amending the Administrative Amendments to the 7th (2020) Edition
of the Florida Building Code to update and amend the requirements for
reinspection and recertification of existing threshold buildings and other
buildings owned by a condominium or cooperative association; providing
for the repeal of all ordinances in conflict; providing for severability and
codification; and providing for an effective date.
Building Official Jeffrey Reman explained why the proposed ordinance amends
the existing ordinance.
Mayor Moore opened the public comments. Hearing none, she closed the public
comments.
MOTION: David/Goldberg — Moved to approve the Proposed Ordinance
amending the Administrative Amendments to the 7th (2020) Edition
of the Florida Building Code to update and amend the requirements
for reinspection and recertification of existing threshold buildings and
other buildings owned by a condominium or cooperative association;
providing for the repeal of all ordinances in conflict; providing for
severability and codification; and providing for an effective date. The
motion passed unanimously 5 to 0.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: October 17, 2023 Page 6 of 8
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
October 03, 2023 Town Commission Meeting Minutes
MOTION: David/Stern — Moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented,
which passed unanimously 5 to 0.
10. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Fire Rescue Implementation Update
Town Manager Labadie provided an update on Fire Rescue Implementation as
follows..
Recruiting process: They will be interviewing the firefighter paramedic applicants
this week. The fire captain applicants are finishing their pre-employment
physicals and background checks. The are beginning phase 2 of the background
check for the firefighter drivers applicants.
Construction: The mezzanine and bay roof concrete pour was completed, the
second-floor roof concrete will be poured this week, and the first-floor framing will
begin next week. The windows, stucco exterior, and doors will be done in about
a week.
The City of Riveria Beach will store the Town's fire truck after the painting has
been completed.
B. Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) RRR Project Update
Town Manager Labadie provided an update on the project. FDOT has yet to be
able to provide a schedule. They plan to bid the project out in December. Once a
contractor is selected, they will begin to build a means and method schedule for
the project. They are aiming for a post-season start in this budget year.
C. Building Department Recertification Program Update
Building Official Jeffery Remus provided an update on the Building Department
Recertification Program. There is 100% compliance with the buildings that are
due at this time. Also, there are 15 buildings that are not due yet, and 16 buildings
were given extensions that are due in November and December.
D. Continued discussion of Milani Park.
Town Commission discussions ensued regarding Milani Park.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: October 17, 2023 Page 7 of 8
Town Manager Labadie encouraged the stakeholder's involvement, such as a
group of residents getting petitions. He suggested that the Town Commission
wait until after the February 2024 public meeting to attend a Palm Beach County
Commission meeting. He also suggested hiring a legal counsel and an
archeologist to manage this matter.
Discussion ensued about other land uses, historical/archaeological preservation,
safety, and the costs associated with building the park. There was a discussion
about hiring a specialist to assist with this.
Mayor Moore opened the item for public comments.
Mr. Richard Greenwald spoke about several avenues the Town Commission
could take concerning Milani Park.
Mayor Moore closed the public comments.
Motion: David/Goldberg - Moved to hire a special project coordinator to bring
in all the necessary personnel to determine what is the best use of
that property for most people in our county. Upon a roll call:
Commissioner David (Yes); Commissioner (Goldberg (Yes);
Commissioner Peters (Yes); Vice Mayor Stern (Yes); and Mayor
Moore (Yes). The motion passed unanimously 5 to 0.
11. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approve and authorize a Right of Way Permit for KMV Fiber Telecom Inc.
to bore fiber optic communication cables under State Road A1A starting
at the north property line of 4713 South Ocean Boulevard and ending on
the west of State Road A1A south property line of 4800 South Ocean
Boulevard.
Mayor Moore read the title of Item 11 .A.
Pat Roman, Public Works Director, presented this item.
MOTION: David/Goldberg — Moved to approve and authorize a Right of Way
Permit for KMV Fiber Telecom Inc. to bore fiber optic communication
cables under State Road A1A starting at the north property line of
4713 South Ocean Boulevard and ending on the west of State Road
A1A south property line of 4800 South Ocean Boulevard. The motion
passed unanimously 5 to 0.
12. TOWN COMMISSION COMMENTS
Commissioner Judith M. Goldberg thanked the Town Commission and the public.
Town Commission Meeting Minutes
Date: October 17, 2023 Page 8 of 8
Commissioner Donald Peters commented on the community prayer vigil held last
Thursday. He thanked those who organized the event.
Commissioner Evalyn David thanked Dr. Greenwald for his perspective on the Milani
Park property. She also commented on the community prayer vigil event held last
Thursday.
Vice Mayor David Stern spoke about the community prayer vigil held last Thursday.
Mayor Natasha Moore provided comments on the community prayer vigil held last
Thursday. She acknowledged Jeffrey Remas for participating on the Palm Beach
County Construction Industry Licensing Board.
13. TOWN ATTORNEY'S REPORT
Town Attorney Torcivia had nothing to report.
14. TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT
Town Manager Labadie thanked Father Horgan and discussed their partnership and
having the Light Up the Holiday event at St. Lucy Catholic Church. He and Terisha
will be meeting with Father Horgan about the future event.
He encouraged the Town Commission to attend the Florida League of Cities monthly
meeting.
15. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 3:33 P.M.
APPROVED: Nov 2023, Town Commission Meeting.
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ATTEST: Z i ~49 ;i: Natasha Moore, Mayor
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TranscribedPTranscribed by
Jaclyn DeHart and Lanelda Gaskins
11/07/2023
e a Gaskin 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 events 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/.