2010.11.30_TC_Minutes_WorkshopTOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH
MINUTES OF TOWN COMMISSION MEETING
WORKSHOP MEETING
Tuesday, November 30, 2010 1.30 PM
Mayor Jim Newill, CPA, called the Workshop Meeting to order in Commission Chambers at 1:30
PM.
CALL TO ORDER:
Roll Call: Members present: Mayor Jim Newill, CPA; Vice Mayor Miriam S. Zwick;
Commissioner Doris M. Trinley; Commissioner John J. Sorrelli; and Commissioner John J.
Pagliaro. Also present: Town Attorney Tom Sliney; Town Manager Dale S. Sugerman; Town
Clerk Beverly M. Brown; Zoie Burgess, Assistant to the Town Manager; Bill Moore, Utility
Maintenance Supervisor; Cale Curtis, Deputy Finance Director and members of the public.
Pledge of Allegiance: The Pledge of Allegiance was given, followed by a minute of silence in
honor of members of the military, both living and deceased.
Civility Pledge: The Civility Pledge was recited by the Town Clerk.
1. ADDITIONS. DELETIONS OR ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA
Mayor Newill asked for any additions or deletions. Receiving none, the agenda was accepted
as presented.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS
Arlin Voress - 4403 Intracoastal Drive
I am here today representing the Bel Lido Isle Home Owners Association. We would like the
Commission to know that we are very much in favor of the draft ordinance regarding eliminating
the Board of Adjustment and appointing a Special Magistrate.
3. PRESENTATIONS
Report on the Creation of a MSTU for Beach Cleaning, and a Review of the
Methodology Used for Determining a Fair and Equitable Assessment Process
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30, 2010 Page 2 of 12
Town Mana er Su eg rman -Ronnie Svenstrup, Chair of the Beaches and Shores Advisory Board
will be making a presentation to the Town Commission on the work that has been done by the
Board regarding the establishment of a Municipal Special Taxing Unit (MSTU) for purposes of
cleaning the beaches in Highland Beach. A copy of the Assessment Methodology Report was
attached for your review prior to the meeting. Both Chair Svenstrup and I will be happy to answer
any questions posed by members of the Town Commission after the presentation.
Ronnie Svenstrup -Chair, Beaches & Shores Advisory Board
Should Highland Beach have clean, beautiful, professionally maintained beaches? This question
has been brought up many times before. The Beaches and Shores Advisory Board would
eventually like to find out how our property owners feel about this issue once and for all. On April
8, 2008, the former Beaches and Shores Advisory board presented to the Town Commission a
Beach Cleanliness and Maintenance Report. The well prepared booklet carefully examined
standards for clean beaches and the possible options to accomplish this. The report was accepted
and filed with the Commission. The report looked at the following alternatives for beach clean up:
1) To do nothing and continue to have dirty beaches. 2) To have the Town do it with a line item
in the budget. 3) To establish a municipal special tax district known as an MSTU. After
thoroughly examining each alternative, the Beaches and Shores Advisory Board decided on the
MSTU as the best and most equitable option for our Town. On November 24, 2009, Lucy Miller
then the Chair of the Beaches and Shores Advisory Board presented this MSTU option to the
Town Commission. She requested approval of funding to have the Town hire an economist and an
attorney to draw up the methodology for a legal and fair tax assessment for the Highland Beach -
Beach Cleaning Program. On December 1, 2009, the Town Commission voted to fund the hiring
of Fishkind and Associates. The Assessment Methodology Report prepared by Dr. Fishkind is
vent' careful to fulfill the requirements set by Florida Law for a valid special assessment. The
Supreme Court of Florida outlined a two pronged test that must be satisfied for a special
assessment: 1) Special Benefit -The assessed property must receive a special benefit from the
service or facility provided. 2) Fair and equitable apportionment -The allocation of the cost for
the service must be equitable apportioned among the properties that receive the special benefit.
Some special benefits that this clean up program will provide are an increase in property values
for everyone in our Town and greater use and enjoyment for all property owners in Highland
Beach not just the people who have property on the ocean. All beach goers will find their beach
experience greatly enhanced by the absence of ugly plastic debris and dangerous glass and medical
waste. The proposals submitted for this program include having the entire beach cleaned a
minimum of three times a week. It is important to note that we are most fortunate because
everyone residing in Highland Beach has beach access. It is a well accepted fact that good
maintenance of any property increases its value. Also keep in mind that most people who buy here
in Highland Beach do so because they want to be near the beach. A clean beach will also benefit
the much loved, but endangered turtles that nest here. Most important of all our children,
grandchildren and pets will also be safer on clean beaches. In 2009, our Town solicited bids for a
beach clean-up program. The bids that were submitted ranged from $90,000 to $300,000 per year.
The economist used the figure of $220,000 to do his calculations. The assessment allocation
methodology for this program is divided into two parts: 1) Base rate -All properties in our Town
would pay a base rate on their assessed property values because it has been deemed that everyone
will benefit from the clean-up program. 2) Category Rate -All ocean front properties will pay an
additional assessment because they receive higher levels of benefits due to their location. All
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30, 2010 Page 3 of 12
properties off the ocean will not pay anything in this category rate. The amount for each rate is
approximately 50%. The category rate is further divided: with the beach frontage, beach front
value, and the beach front building square footage all being considered. I will further explain this
by presenting two examples: 1) A home on Bel Air Drive with a value of $690,000 will pay a total
of $37.17 for beach clean-up for the whole year. That is the amount of their assessment under the
base rate. Because they are not on the oceanfront, they will not pay anything in the category rate.
2) A unit in the Townhouses of Highland Beach will pay $25.35 in the base rate and an additional
$82.73 in the category rate for a total of approximately $108.08 for the year.
It is my sincere hope that the members of the Town Commission will see the equitable manner in
which this program will work. The members of the Beaches and Shores Advisory Board are fully
in support of the methodology presented by the Fishkind report. Therefore, we would like you to
consider having this MSTU put on a ballot at a future date. I will answer your questions at this
time. The Beaches and Shores Advisory Board will come back to the Town Commission when we
believe the timing for this vote is appropriate. On behalf of the Beaches and Shores Advisory
Board, I sincerely thank you for this opportunity to speak to you about our Town's most valuable
asset, the beaches.
Comm. Pa lg iaro -Can you give me an example of what would be a bill for a large building?
Mana eg r Su eg rman - It depends on the options that the MSTU want to include with the program,
and the assessment. Comm. Pa liaro - At some point in time will we ever get a direct answer?
Feel we need an answer before we vote on it. Chair Svenstrun - It is a very fair way to doing this.
Mana eg r Su e~ - If this does move forward, we would have to have the final assessed values
establish a budget, and then use the formula from the methodology report. At that point, we could
give exact numbers. Today's presentation was to report back on the Methodology Report.
Comm. Sorrelli -What kind of time are we talking about - a year? Chair Svenstrun -Perhaps.
Comm. Trinlev -Are you aware of any other beach front communities with a successful MSTU?
Reply -Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Comm. Trinlev -Are they specifically MSTU? Reply - No.
Comm. Trinlev -How about the beaches that are considered private? Chair Svenstruv - We
would clear the area below the high water mark that is where most of the sea weed and trash are
found. Mana er Superman - If a District is formed, it can only be formed by a vote of the
residents. Then the Beach Cleaning District can clean the complete beach including privately held
beaches.
Mayor Newill -What percentage would be needed to pass this special taxing district? Manager
Superman - 50% of the votes cast in the election, not residents.
Mayor Newill -Thanked the Board for all their work. No action is necessary. This presentation
was just a report to the Commission, when they are ready, they will come back and request the
Commission to submit it to the voters.
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30, 2010 Page 4 of 12
4. BOARDS AND COMMITTEES
A) Board Correspondence:
• None
B) Board Action Report:
• None
C) Board Vacancies:
• Beaches & Shores Advisory -Two full terms
• Planning Board -One unexpired two-year term
Town Clerk Brown advised the Commission that she had four Talent Bank Applications in her
possession. Since there is no December Workshop would the Commission like to do the
interviews during a Regular Meeting or wait until the January Workshop? The consensus of
the Commission was to follow the established procedure of interviewing at the Workshop
Meeting.
D) Monthly Board Meetings
• Special Magistrate -December 2nd -Cancelled
• Light Up the Holidays -December 5~` - 5 PM (Change in time)
• Planning Board -December 8th -Regular - 9:30 AM
• Beaches & Shores Advisory -December 14th -Regular - 9:30 AM
• Bd. of Adjustment -December 21st -Regular - 9:30 AM
• Town Commission Workshop -December 28~` -Canceled
5. PROPOSED ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A) RESOLUTION NO. 10-014 R
A RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACH, FLORIDA,
AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 09-012 R WHICH APPROPRIATED
FUNDS FOR THE 2009-2010 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET, WHICH BEGAN
OCTOBER 1, 2009 AND ENDS SEPTEMBER 30, 2010.
Town Mana e~ r Su eg rman -The Town's fiscal year ended on September 30, 2010, however, the
"books" are kept open for 60 additional days to allow for any outstanding bills (encumbrances) to
come in and to be paid out of last year's budget. We will officially close the 2009-2010 books by
the end of this month. In the meantime, as we get to that final closing, we go through the budget
and adjust the bottom line for any department that has come in overspent for the year. Attached is a
resolution which will accomplish this effort. I am very pleased to advise the Commission that
there is only one adjustment that needs to be made this year. The one adjustment is in the General
Fund and it was caused by the unanticipated early retirement of an employee who had originally
planned to retire during the current budget year. His earlier retirement caused the Public Works
Department budget to exceed its appropriation by approximately $4,000.00. The final, year-end
adjustment that needs to be approved is:
Public Works (increase) $ 4,000.00
Reserve for Contingency (decrease) 4,000.00
Net General Fund change $ -0-
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
_November 30. 2010 Page 5 of 12
As one can see, the net effect of the re-appropriation of these dollars is $0.00 in the General Fund.
That is, we are covering the Public Works Department shortfall by taking money from the Reserve
for Contingency line item of the budget. This resolution is being introduced at the Commission
Workshop meeting so that we can have the Commission discuss what we are proposing here and
answer any questions that you might have. If the concept meets with your general approval, we can
move this topic over to the Consent Agenda for the meeting of December 7~'.
Consensus was to include item on the December 7, 2010 Consent Agenda.
6. NEW BUSINESS
A) Awarding a Contract to Energy Efficient Electric, Inc. in the Amount of $40,000.00
for the Installation of Tamper Switches on Fire Line Backflow Preventers.
Town Mana eg r Su eg rman - As part of the SR AlA water transmission main project, the Town
installed nine (9) backflow prevention devices on condominium buildings which did not
previously have them. This was done at no cost to the condos and was paid for using proceeds
from the State of Florida EPA loan. As the project progressed, we heard from the Fire Marshall
that these nine (9) backflow prevention devices also required the installation of automated
supervisory alarm systems (tamper switches) in order to protect either the misuse of, or the
sabotage to, the backflow devices. We asked Asphalt Consultants, Inc. for a change order price,
since the installation of the tamper switches was not something that was included in the original
contract price. Asphalt Consultants, Inc. quoted us $91,048.00. Town staff felt this quote was way
too high, so we solicited outside quotes. The Fire Marshall advised us that we did not need to
install the tamper switches at the time of the original construction, and we could wait until the
project came to an end before we needed to install these devices. We have obtained two other
quotes, and the lower of the two came in at $40,000.00 from a company called Energy Efficient
Electric. The second quote was from C.R. Dunn, Inc. who quoted us $41,685.00 for the same
work. I have had discussions with the staff at the Florida Department of Environmental Protection,
and this additional cost is reimbursable from loan proceeds. Jack Lee will be in attendance at the
meeting to answer any questions that Commissioners may have about this topic. Since this is a
workshop meeting, this agenda item is being introduced to the Commission for the purpose of
discussion only. Once all of the Commission's questions are answered, and if it is your desire, this
item can be carried over to the Consent Agenda portion of the December 7~' Regular Commission
meeting.
Comm. Sorrelli -Doesn't the fire department review the plans before projects are started?
Supt. Moore -When the original plans were developed, this was part of the added alternatives.
The fire department reviewed the main plans but not the alternatives. Florida Statutes states tamper
switches can be either electronic or manual. Once the plans were submitted to Delray Fire Rescue,
they recommended the electronic switches. Comm. Sorrelli -Besides this company submitting the
lower price, has anyone checked out their references? Supt. Moore -Energy Efficient has worked
for us previously. Comm. Sorrelli -Why was this not included in the original plan? Supt. Moore I
do not know. The tamper switches had to be an over site on the plans. We decided to install the
backflow prevention devices on the condos at the same time as the single family houses. Except,
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30. 2010 Page 6 of 12
the single family houses do not require the tamper devices. It is another way to protect our water
system.
Comm. Sorrelli -Are there anymore surprises waiting for us?
Consensus was to include item on the December 7, 2010 Consent Agenda.
B) Awarding a Contract to Chaz Equipment Environmental Services, Inc. in the amount
of $24,692.00 to SewperCoat Lift Station #1 by Piggy-backing on a Contract Awarded
by the City of Delray Beach.
Town Mana eg r Su elan -The 2010-2011 budget includes funds in the capital improvement line
item of the Sewer Fund for improvements to Lift Station #1. Jack Lee has recommended that we
recondition and seal with SewperCoat our main liftstation. To that end, we have found a contract
recently let by the City of Delray Beach for this work. We therefore are recommending that we
"piggy-back" on their purchase of this improvement from Chaz Equipment Environmental
Services, Inc. Bill Moore, Maintenance Supervisor, will be in attendance at the meeting to answer
any technical questions that members of the Commission might raise. Since this is a workshop
meeting, this agenda item is being introduced to the Commission for the purpose of discussion
only. Once all of the Commission's questions are answered, and if it is your desire, this item can
be carried over to the Consent Agenda portion of the December 7~' regular Commission meeting.
No further discussion.
Consensus was to include item on the December 7, 2010 Consent Agenda.
C) Declaring Certain Property to be Surplus Property -Public Works 4-Wheeled "Gator
Vehicles"
Town Mana eg r Sugerman - At least once a year the various operating departments gather up all of
their inventory of items that are no longer of any use to the department, and they are put on a list
for purposes of disposal. Under the law, because the items were purchased either with taxpayer or
ratepayer monies, in order to dispose of these items the Town Commission needs to declare them
to be surplus property and of no further use to the Town. This agenda item does not include a
typical long list of items to be declared surplus, but rather relates exclusively to two (2) Public
Works 4-Wheel "Gator" vehicles which will be traded in on one new replacement vehicle, which
is in the 2010-2011 operating budget. Since this is a workshop meeting, this item is being
introduced for purposes of discussion and feedback from members of the Commission. If it is
acceptable to the Commission as presented in this packet, this item can then be moved over to the
Consent Agenda of the December 7~" regular Commission meeting.
Comm. Trinley -Are we declaring two vehicles surplus, and replacing them with one vehicle?
Mana eg r Su erman - We are trying to cut back on expenses.
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30, 2010 Page 7 of 12
Consensus was to include item on the December 7, 2010 Consent Agenda.
7) MISCELLANEOUS -ITEMS LEFT OVER
A) Reviewing a Draft Ordinance to Engage a Special Magistrate to Perform the Functions
of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals
Town Mana ergSu. eg rman - As discussed with the Town Commission during the 2010-2011 budget
workshop meetings, I have drafted legislation which will authorize the creation of the position of
Special Magistrate for the purpose of serving as an alternative method for carrying out the duties
and responsibilities of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals. This draft legislation does the
following: 1) It keeps the Board of Adjustment and Appeals option "on the books" in that the
language for a Board has not been eliminated from the proposed ordinance. 2) It authorizes the
use of a Town Commission appointed Special Magistrate as an alternative to the Board of
Adjustment and Appeals. 3) It sets up a timeframe for identifying a list of perspective candidates
to serve in the role of Special Magistrate as an alternative to the Board of Adjustment and Appeals.
4) Upon adoption, it discharges the current members of the Board of Adjustment and Appeals,
with thanks, as soon as a Special Magistrate is put into place.
This proposed ordinance has not been given a sufficiency review by the Town Attorney. It is being
introduced at the Workshop meeting for purposes of introducing the topic and creating some
discussion by members of the Commission. It would be my suggestion that the draft Ordinance not
be placed on the Dec. 7~' regular meeting agenda, but rather that it wait at least until the meeting of
January 4, 2011 for first reading so that the Town Attorney can complete his review. I will be
happy to answer any questions posed by members of the Town Commission during the workshop
meeting.
Comm. Trinlev - Is there any chance that the woman who was appointed Special Magistrate for
the Code Enforcement Board could also handle the responsibilities of this Board? Manager
Su eg rman -The way the ordinance is written, the Town Manager is required to solicit proposals. I
will contact Ms. Ansay to see if she is interested.
Town Attorney Sliney - I have forwarded a memo to the Town Manager making two
recommendations to the title of the proposed ordinance. This ordinance can be presented for a first
reading at the December 7~', 2010 Commission meeting.
B) Discussion Regarding Creating aCommission-Appointed Citizen's Advisory Board
for the Development of an Employee Performance Evaluation Form
Town Mana eg r Su erman - At the November 2°d regular Commission meeting, Commissioner
Pagliaro requested that we place the topic of aCommission-Appointed Citizens' Advisory
Board for the development of an employee performance evaluation form on this agenda. This
will be the time for members of the Commission to further discuss this topic. Just so it is
known by the members of the Commission, I am fully supportive of this concept. It seems to
me that there may be a good many individuals who live here in Highland Beach who have
experience, not only in business, but in dealing with employee issues and issues of employee-
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30 2010 Pa e 8 of 12
employer relationships. Therefore, I concur that it may be a good idea to try to tap into that
wealth of knowledge in our community to bring the best and the brightest together to help us to
craft a new performance evaluation form. I will be happy to answer any questions on this topic
posed by members of the Town Commission during the workshop meeting.
Comm. Pa liaro -This process regarding this issue goes back to September. My opinion on
this issue is based on the comments made by representatives of the community and members of
this Commission that this is the way we should go forward in establishing a Citizens Advisory
Board to help prepare a new evaluation process for our employees. I do not know what the
next step is. Can this go to Consent? Mana eg r Su eg rman - We cannot include this on the
Consent Agenda as this requires more discussion. How would this take place? How would the
committee be formed? Does each member of the Commission appoint one person for a five
member committee? Or, two persons for a ten member committee? Those are the kind of
things that need to be discussed before it can be voted on. Comm. Pa lg iaro -There have been
three gentlemen who publicly spoke in favor of this Advisory Board during the budget process.
In addition, a call should go out to the residents to see if anyone else is interested. Mayor
Voress, Joe Asselta and Joe Cannazzaro made some strong statements during the budget
process and I hope they will volunteer. Hope we have a nice group of residents who would
volunteer.
Mayor Newill - We have a long history of not having volunteers coming forward for our
standing committees. It is very difficult to expect to get individuals to come forward.
Personally, I would much rather go out and hire a consultant who is an expert rather than
attempting to get volunteers.
Manager Su eg rman -There will be no action today. It was on the agenda for purpose of
discussion. Commissioner Pagliaro suggested a volunteer committee of citizens and the Mayor
suggested a path of hiring a consultant. The rest of the Commissioners need to weigh in.
Town Attorney Sliney - My opinion is you have discussed it today. Move it forward to the
next regular meeting for a vote either to approve or not approve.
Mayor Newill -This will give the other Commissioners a chance to think about both
possibilities.
C) Minutes
October 26, 2010 -Workshop Meeting
November 2, 2010 -Regular Meeting
No comments received from Commission, to include item on the December 7, 2010 Consent
Agenda.
8. REPORTS -TOWN COMMISSION
Commissioner Pa~liaro - No Report.
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30 2010 Pa e 9 of 12
Commissioner Sorrelli -Upset that we lost the fire truck. The majority of the residents did
not know what it was all about. The Commission fell down. We all voted in favor of it, but
that did not get out to the voters. The article in the Highlander was incorrect. Who proof read
it? Didn't someone know it was wrong? Mayor Newill -The Highlander is a staff function,
the Town Manager can answer that better than I. We voted to let the residents vote for or
against the purchase of a new fire truck. We did not make that determination whether to
purchase it or not. But that is not the way it came out in the Highlander. Whatever process of
what goes into that paper needs to be reviewed and addressed. Some more checks should be
put in place prior to publishing. The paper should avoid addressing any political issues on
what is going on the ballot. Mana er Su eg rman - I would recommend all future Highlanders
be approved by the Commission at a public meeting. Comm. Sorrelli -Why does it have to be
a public meeting? Attorney Sliney - It would become a sunshine issue. Do not know how
often it goes out. The Town Manager can submit it at a regular meeting and you can say yea or
nay. It depends on the time frame. Mana er Su eg rman - It is published three times a year.
The lead time to get to the printer prior to mailing is 45 days. Manor Newill -Then there will
be a Commission meeting in that time period to approve it. Comm. Pa lg iaro - Can someone
clarify something. My understanding is that the Highlander is a newsletter for informational
purposes. So now are we going to bring the Highlander to the Commission because we object
to an article because you do not agree with it? I understand the issue is about the fire truck,
which is an isolated case. But, I would be very concerned if we begin to become the arbitrators
for information that comes out in the Highlander. Mayor Newill - I believe the Highlander is
a publication which is representative of this government sitting here as Commissioners and
staff. We are not putting controls on what is going to be published. Just looking for potential
errors that can cause a result of what this particular situation did. A number of people told me
they changed their minds about the referendum once they read the article. If people are telling
me that, I have to believe them. Do not think it is the purpose of the Highlander to influence
the voters on a subject on the ballot. Comm. Trinley - I agree. Comm. Pa liaro - My concern
is that we are getting into a very gray area. Comm. Trinley - I agree with Commissioner
Pagliaro that it was an isolated case. Do not feel we need to approve or disapprove of the
Highlander before it goes out. Mayor Newill - A decision cannot be made at this meeting.
Mana eg r Su eg rman - A decision cannot be made at this meet but would like some direction
ultimately as it is a staff driven activity. If the majority of the Commission would like to have
editorial approval before it hits the mailbox, I need to know that. The Highlander is an
ongoing process and is constantly being worked on. Manor Newill -Cannot take a vote, but
please share your opinions. Comm. Pa liaro -Against putting on any controls. Comm.
Sorrelli - Should not be left to the Manager, needs to be reviewed. Comm. Trinley -Does not
think Commission should get involved. Vice Manor Zwick -Commission should not be
involved. Mayor Newill -Needs to be a further check on what goes into the Highlander.
Mayor Newill -The majority of the Commission does not want to review the Highlander
before it is printed. Believe they are suggesting that you take additional steps to review prior
to printing. Mana eg_ r Su eg rman -Since it is very clear that I am the person who wrote that
article and included it in the Highlander and have been taken to task for it at the last four
meetings by members of this Commission, I have tough skin and I am fine. Mayor Newill -
There have not been four meetings since that paper came out. I have to disagree with you
there. Mana eg r Su eg rman - I have been taken to task at a number of public meetings by this
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30. 2010 Pale 10 of 12
Commission for my error which I admitted publicly and have taken full responsibility for it. I
am suggesting to make sure that I make no more errors of that kind, that this Commission
retains editorial rights over the Highlander. I cannot guarantee that mistakes won't be made.
Mayor Newill -As far as I am concerned, the Commission has answered you by saying we are
not taking over the newspaper. The Commission is telling you that the government should not
be taking over the Highlander. If you have a problem, you will need to come up with an
alternative method. It is your decision to leave it the way it is or put in additional steps.
Comm. Pa lg iaro -The Town Manager has admitted his mistake and apologized. Three of the
five Commissioners do not want to get involved in an editorial review. I have faith in the
Town Manager doing his job. Mayor Newill -This is getting blown out of shape. Town
Manager I want you to think back to the email I sent you the night of reading the publication.
At that time, I said I am not looking for a scapegoat or to put the responsibility on anyone, I
want the situation corrected. I still stand on what I said.
Commissioner Trinley - I was reading an article in the Palm Beach Post and it was talking
about establishing the County's Inspectors General Office. On the funding part, it said all the
Town's will have to pay a share of the cost. The share of each Town is calculated at '/4% of
1 % of the amount the Town spends on annual contracts. Does it apply to all municipalities?
Mana eg r Su erman -Yes. Comm. Trinley - Do we have any idea what the figure will be for
us? Mana eg r Sugerman - '/4 of 1 % of all contracts. Last year we probably had almost 4 1/2
million dollars in contracts. It was an unusual year because we had a major construction
project. I have not done an average of what our contracts are in the years that we do not have
major construction. Comm. Trinley - We have a budget set up for the year. Can you tell us
what the cost of contracts that are on the books now? Mana er Su erman -Will do it between
now and Tuesday. Mayor Newill - 1/4 of 1 % is what it is right now. As all government
agencies grow, there costs continue to grow. That percentage could grow also.
Vice Mayor Zwick - No Report.
Manor Newill - No Report.
9. REPORTS -TOWN ATTORNEY
A couple of weeks ago we approved the glitches for the County park. I forwarded the signed
document to the Assistant County Attorney Amy Petrick. Ms. Petrick has sent back a certified
copy of the addendum to the stipulated agreement. This is the last piece of paper in the saga
of Milani Park. I have given it to the Town Clerk and she will distribute copies to the
Commission.
10. REPORTS -TOWN MANAGER
I have two items. 1) I would like to congratulate Vice Mayor Zwick on successfully
completing and passing the two emergency preparedness training courses that have been
offered by FEMA. She did that this past week and she has now been certified as passing IS-
700 -National Incident Management Systems Communications and Information Management
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30 2010 Pa e 11 of 12
and IS-800 -National Response Framework. 2) Reminder that our typical workshop meeting
in December has been cancelled. We will not be meeting until January 4`", 2011.
Mavor Newill -Town Manager would you please give a recap of what is happening down at
Milani Park for our viewing audience. Mana eg r Su eg rman -There is a little bit of construction
going on. They are not building a park. They are complying with our agreement when we
settled the lawsuit with Palm Beach County. The agreement that they are complying with
involves only the west parcel, and requires: smooth out the rough spots on the ground and
plant some grass; clean out the drainage in the wetlands area; clean out the exotics from the
wetlands area; remove the irregular shape patch of asphalt; put up a concrete block wall on the
south and west sides of the parcel; it will be a 6 ft. concrete block wall; the north side will not
be getting any type of a wall or fencing because of the wetlands areas; they will be installing a
split rail fence on the east side along AIA. The construction is going on now. Our
understanding is that they should be finished by the end of December. The construction was
delayed, so it might go over into January. Once that is done, they will be maintaining that
property without any further development for at least the next ten years. The only access will
be for mowing and maintenance. Comm. Pa lg iaro -Will the concrete wall be finished and
have a color? Mana er Su eg rman - It will have a finish and a color. Vice Mavor Zwick -
They also are suppose to put plantings on both sides. They are leaving in place the plantings
already established by Boca Highlands.
Comm. Trinlev -Regarding the FEMA courses, are they mandatory? If the rest of us do not
take them does it mean you will not get any money from FEMA? Mana er Su eg rman -They
are not mandatory, highly recommended. If the Commission does not complete them, FEMA
does have an excuse not to reimburse us. Comm. Trinley - In your travels, while talking to
other Managers, have their Commissions completed the courses? Mana eg r Su e~ - I have
heard that the Commissioners from many jurisdictions are excited about being part of the
process. You might ask the Vice Mayor about her experience.
11. CONSENT AGENDA
None.
12. PUBLIC COMMENTS AND REQUESTS RELATED TO ITEMS DISCUSSED AT
MEETING
Allen Teller
Take issue that we lost our fire truck. The electorate is not stupid. They did not want to
finance a fire truck during this poor economic time. The electorate voted not to spend the
money on this unnecessary item at this time. Mayor Newill -The problem was that the
Highlander article indicated that the Commission took a position on this subject. All we did
was vote to present it to the residents.
Joe Cannizzaro - 1121 Bel Air Drive
I would like to compliment the Chairman of the Beaches and Shores on an excellent
presentation. Is the base rate determined by the value of the property? Chairman Svenstrun -
Town Commission Workshop Minutes
November 30 2010 Pa e 12 of 12
The base rate applies to everyone in Town. The base rate is the assessed value and is only 50%
of the total rate. Mr. Cannizzaro -The rate the people off the beach pay is based on the
assessed value of their homes? On the Highlander - I published a number of newsletters
during my career. When you make an error and do not follow the guidelines, then the person
has to take accountability for their actions. Do not feel the Commission should have to review
it before it is published. To have a meeting to review it would be a waste of time.
13. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Commission, Mavor Newill adjourned the
Workshop Meeting at 2:47 PM upon a MOTION by Commissioner Sorrelli; seconded by
Commissioner Pa lg iaro.
APPROVED:
Jim Ne 11, CPA, Mayor
Min '.Gw1ck, ice yor
~'G~ _ A ~
TTEST:
Beverly M. Bro , MMC
!'atE
_~
Doris`M. Trinley, Commissioner