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2006.06.27_TC_Minutes_Workshop,~ TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING WORKSHOP Tuesday, June 27, 2006 1:30 P.M. Mayor Harold R. Hagelmann called the Workshop to order in Commission Chambers at 1:30 P.M. Town Clerk Doris Trinley called the roll. The Mayor, Vice Mayor Joseph J. Asselta and Commissioners Rachael Scala-Pistone, Miriam S. Zwick and Jim Newill, CPA, were present. Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney and Town Manager Dale S. Sugerman were also present as were members of the general public. After roll call, the Pledge of Allegiance was given, followed ny a minute of silence in honor of the nation's military personnel. 1. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA At Vice Mayor Asselta's request, the discussion on amendment to Section 4-8, Lighting Restrictions for Protection of Sea Turtles, was moved to Item 5, Proposed Ordinances • and Resolutions. With no objection, the Agenda was so amended. Before addressing the Agenda, Mayor Hagelman read the following verbatim remarks into the record: My reason for this statement is an attempt to unite our commission. It seems the closer we get to election, words and inappropriate comments are getting worse. This has to stop. The Commission dais will not be used for campaigning or politicking. When in attendance at any of our Town board meetings and we are asked "as an official" would we like to say a few words, it is an honor and we should be careful not to discredit any of our colleagues. Statements such as "I wish I could do something about it, and I tried to, but they wouldn't let me speak." This is total fabrication as no member of the Commission is ever refused the right to speak at a Commission meeting. We have a great Town Manager and his door is never closed to assist in the concerns of all members of our Commission. Remember, our Manager is the "liaison" for our Town Commissioners. Let's all use this talented resource. As a Town Commission, let's work as a team with a vision of improving our goals. "Not the good guys or the bad guys" because a vote did hot go our way. Our residents deserve the best from their elected officials. Let's not disappoint. Town Commission Workshop Minutes June 27, 2006 Page 2 of 5 • 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS Arthur Kwait, member/director of Ocean Grande Homeowners Association, (directly south of Town Hall) addressed the Commission on a "good neighbor" note, with regard to future work being done in the R.O. plant and any changes/additions Ocean Grande might make on their northern border adjacent thereto. Mr. Kwait's thrust was a possible sharing of related costs. 3. PRESENTATIONS APPRECIATION PLAQUES RE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY: TOWN ATTORNEY THOMAS E. SLINEY AND LEONARD D. BELL, CHAIRMAN. Both gentlemen graciously accepted their respective plaques presented by the Mayor, Mr. Sliney for initially suggesting a Historic Society, Mr. Bell for serving as its first Chairman. Following their words of appreciation, it was agreed by all that both plaques would be hung permanently in the Mayor Thomas J. Reid History Room in the Library. 4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES A) BOARD CORRESPONDENCE: NONE. • B) BOARD VACANCIES: ONE (1) ON BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT (BARBARA EAGEL RESIGNED); ONE (1) ON CODE ENFORCEMENT (MARTIN SAHN ELIGIBLE FOR REAPPOINTMENT). C) BOARD ACTION REPORT: NONE. D) MONTHLY BOARD MEETINGS: PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED. 5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS AN ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN COMMISSION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 4-8(C), LIGHTING RESTRICTIONS FOR PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES. As noted in the beginning of these Minutes, this item was moved from the Mayor's report at the request of Vice Mayor Asselta. The Vice Mayor, while questioning if it was indeed constitutional to deprive beach residents from enjoying their homes, nevertheless suggested that the lighting restrictions be established as "dusk to dawn," in keeping with the county ordinance. During discussion, it was noted that this proposed amending ordinance had been tabled at the April 4, 2006 Regular Meeting; thus, it was agreed to place it for consideration on the July 5, 2006 Regular Meeting, at which time its "tabled" • status would be removed. Town Commission Workshop Minutes June 27, 2006 Page 3 of 5 • 6. NEW BUSINESS NONE. 7. MISCELLANEOUS -ITEMS LEFT OVER The following set of Minutes was moved to .the July 5, 2006 Regular Meeting for further consideration and possible approval: MAY 30, 2006 WORKSHOP 8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION Commissioner Jim Newill, CPA, made the following verbatim remarks: I really don't have a report. I would just like to make my statement, and that is, all my life I have always spoken the truth as it is, not sugar-coated. I always try to answer questions to be best of my ability and to my knowledge. It is part of my make-up, as well as part of my professional training overmany years. Being elected Commissioner does not take this right away from me. Thank you. Commissioner Miriam Zwick first thanked the Town Clerk's staff for helping her in her • now successful efforts to have "Jap Rock" renamed "Yamato Rock." Next the Commissioner addressed the rude use of cell phones during meetings, and suggested that a reminder be given before every meeting that they be shut off, or turned to "vibrate." The Commissioner also addressed the most discourteous habit that some meeting attendees have of chit-chatting, second-guessing, or audibly disagreeing with the proceedings while the meeting is in progress; she noted how disruptive this behavior is to the Commission trying to give their attention to the issues at hand, and asked those offenders to cease and desist, allowing for civility and courtesy when they attend Commission meetings. Commissioner Rachael Scala-Pistone complimented Sun Sentinel reporter Rhonda Miller on her article pertaining to Commissioner Zwick's efforts regarding "Yamato Rock." (Copy attached to and made part of these Minutes) Commissioner Scala-Pistone also noted she had talked with Public Works Director, Jack Lee, who had assured her that the beach was going to be cleaned three (3) times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). Vice Mayor Joseph J. Asselta first stated he agreed with Commissioner Zwick's remarks. The Vice Mayor next gave a detailed report on possible pianos for purchase • through Steinway Galleries. Vice Mayor Asselta then asked the Mayor for permission to bring Police Chief Glenn Goss to the podium as part of the Vice Mayor's report in order to quell rumors that the Town Commission Workshop Minutes June 27, 2006 Page 4 of 5 8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION department was in difFculty. Chief Goss gave a comprehensive report on the reorganization of the department and progress made since he took the position, including that the testing for three (3) sergeant positions had been accomplished and selection of at least one (1) sergeant position and a detective selection would be made in the near future. The Chief also spoke to the old library space being renovated to give the department more room for these added positions. In all, Chief Goss said the department was running smoothly, with changes on schedule to accommodate the 2009-2010 timeline for accreditation. Mayor Harold R. Hagelmann addressed the status of the Town participating in the Municipal Underground Utility Consortium, which participation failed with a vote of 2-2 at the June 6 Regular Meeting, saying he would address the issue again at the August 1 Regular Meeting. 9. REPORTS -TOWN ATTORNEY Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney had no report. 10. REPORTS -TOWN MANAGER • Town Manager Dale S. Sugerman first addressed Section 2-28(13) of Town Code which deals with reconsideration of a vote, saying reconsideration could be brought up only by a member who was on the prevailing side of such vote. In the case of a 2-2 vote, Attorney Sliney was requested to research what side would be prevailing. Mr Sugerman next initiated discussion regarding various scenarios for funding water system improvements, which included a significant raise in water rates, but which did not take into consideration sale of the wellfield or old water plant properties. Substantial financial discourse followed, concluding with the consensus that the raise in water rates be made comparable to the rates of neighboring communities, but with the capital funding source left undecided at this time. (Copy of Mr Sugerman's scenarios attached to and made part of these Minutes) 11. CONSENT AGENDA NONE. 12. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO ITEMS DISCUSSED AT MEETING Joe Yucht, Boca Hi, suggested the capital funding needed for water system improvements be done by bond issue. { ' Town Commission Workshop Minutes June 27, 2006 Page 5 of 5 • 13. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, Mayor Hagelmann adjourned the Workshop at 3:20 P.M. upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER NEWILL/COMMISSIONER ZWICK. dmt APPROVE: H~frold R. Ham ayor J sep J. Ass I a, V' Mayor Rachael Scala-Pistone, Commissioner Miriam S. Zwicl~;'Commis~i'~ner w w ww ~~~ Jim Newill, CAA, Commissioner Attest: 1_ ai,~ Y~i Date: °Z ~ ° ~ ~