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.
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' 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.
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APPROVE:
H~frold R. Ham ayor
J sep J. Ass I a, V' Mayor
Rachael Scala-Pistone, Commissioner
Miriam S. Zwicl~;'Commis~i'~ner
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Jim Newill, CAA, Commissioner
Attest:
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