2006.09.05_TC_Minutes_Special. ~
• TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
PUBLIC HEARING: 2006/2007 FY BUDGET
Tuesday, September 5, 2006 5:01 P.M.
Mayor Harold R. Hagelmann called the Public Hearing to order in Commission Chambers
at 5:01 P.M., advising its purpose was as follows:
RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING THE 2006/2007 FY BUDGET
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.
Also present were Town Attorney Thomas E. Sliney, Town Manager Dale S. Sugerman,
and members of the general public.
Final resolutions regarding the 2006/2007 FY Budget were read into the record by title
• only (Copies attached to and made part of these Minutes.)
Town Manager Sugerman first advised that the Town Commission had held a Workshop
on August 9, as did the Financial Advisory Board on July 13. Mr. Sugerman also
advised that a copy of the proposed 2006/2007 FY Budget was available for review in
the Library.
Regarding the $335,000.00 budgeted for a utilities equipment building, Vice Mayor
Asselta suggested it be removed. The Vice Mayor reasoned that the heavy-duty
machinery (backhoe, forklift) could be parked behind the fire station and secured with
protective canvas when not in use; this action would also save several library parking
spaces.
Commissioner Newill agreed with the Vice Mayor, questioning if the Town would allow
zoning for as many buildings as now exist on Town property on any other site.
Commissioner Scala-Pistone also concurred, saying she would prefer that, rather than
purchase, the Town lease heavy equipment.
Mayor Hagelmann was not in agreement with the thoughts expressed by his fellow
members, pointing out that the equipment building would not be an eyesore; its facade
would be in keeping with other Town buildings, including abarrel-tile roof
•
•
Minutes of Town Commission Public Hearing
September 5. 2006 Page 2 of 3
Concluding discussion and upon MOTION by VICE MAYOR ASSELTA/COMMISSIONER
NEWILL, the $335,000.00 budgeted for a utilities equipment building was to be removed
from the 2006/2007 Budget. Roll call vote was as follows:
Commissioner Newill -Yes
Commissioner Zwick -Yes
Commissioner Scala-Pistone -Yes
Vice Mayor Asselta -Yes.
Mayor Hagelmann - No
•
The next item discussed centered on the purchase of a new vehicle for the Police Chief.
Commissioner Newill noted that the existing leased car had low mileage, and if it were
leased for another year, the Town could save almost $19,000.
At this time, Mayor Hagelmann interjected a topic for a future budget, i.e, the possibility
of trolley service for those residents on limited incomes, perhaps to take them to Town
Center. With permission of the members, Town Manager Sugerman was asked to
inquire if there were any available grants or other subsidies that the Town could look to
in this regard.
The Public Hearing was then opened and the following residents spoke:
John Van Patten, 3100 S. Ocean Blvd., commented on what he called a tax "explosion,"
in some cases a 68-70% increase for non-homesteaded residents, and that he was told
by the County to "go to the Town." Vice Mayor Asselta responded, saying that Highland
Beach is but a small amount of the tax bill, and the Town is not the recipient of tax
revenue that goes to the county, state and school district.
Joe Yucht, Boca Highlands, agreed with the removal of the utilities equipment building
from the budget, but questioned the increase in legal fees. Town Attorney Sliney and
Town Manager Sugerman responded, referring to possible and unforeseeable legal
expenses regarding Code Enforcement, the Board of Adjustment and other suits that
might be brought against the Town.
No other residents asked to speak, thus the Mayor closed the Public Hearing.
Commissioner Newill noted that no action had been taken on re-leasing the existing car
for the Chief of Police. Therefore, upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER
NEWILL/COMMISSIONER SCALA-PISTONE, with unanimous favorable vote, extending
the lease of the existing Police Chief's car was approved and the purchase of a new car
for his purposes was removed from the proposed 2006/2007 FY Budget.
• Minutes of Town Commission Public Hearing
September 5. 2006 Page 3 of 3
There being no further business to come before the Commission at this time, and with
a reminder that the next Pubic Hearing/Special Meeting pertaining to the 2006/2007 FY
Budget is set for September 26 at 5:01 P.M., Mayor Hagelmann adjourned the Public
Hearing at 6:00 P.M. upon MOTION by COMMISSIONER ZWICK/COMMISSIONER
NEWILL.
dmt
APPROVE:
Harold R. Hann, Mayor
~~~'~~ r 1
J. Asselta, Vice Mayor
Miriam S. ZwicJk!Coh(missioner
Jim Newil~ CPA, Comm
Attest:
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Date: ~ ~ ` 3 , oZ u o ~
Rachael Scala-Pistone, Commissioner