HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-07-1994 VC PH-M1
Present:
MINUTES OF PUBLIC HEARING
OF THE
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
HELD WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1994
Gail H. Vastola, Mayor
Jeffrey H. Atwater, Vice Mayor
V. A. Marks, M. D. , President Pro Tem
Tom Valente, Councilman
Larry Kelley, Councilman
Dennis W. Kelly, Village Manager
Kathleen F. Kelly, Village Clerk
Absent: George Baldwin, Village Attorney
ROLL CALL
Mayor Vastola called the Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. All
members of Council were present. All members of staff were present
except village Attorney George Baldwin.
PURPOSE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The purpose of the Public Hearing was to hear comments from the
Public concerning the proposed 1994-95 Operating Budget, including
the North Palm Beach Country Club.
As stipulated in the Truth in Millage (TRIM) Bill, every owner of
real property in the County was notified by the Palm Beach County
Tax Assessor of proposed property taxes and Public Hearing. No
further legal publication of this Public Hearing by the Village was
required.
STATEMENT OF PERCENTAGE INCREASE IN MILLAGE OVER THE ROLLED -BACK
RATE
Mayor Vastola announced that the proposed millage rate is 5.25,
with a 9.9% increase over the current rolled -back rate.
COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Leon Smith, 100 Wettaw Lane, addressed the Village Council
regarding the proposed $2.00 walkers' fee. Mr. Smith opposes this,
stating that it would be a "nuisance" fee, and would not enhance
revenue for the Club.
Joe Banaszak, 44 Yacht Club Drive, President of the MGA,
recommended to the Council that the Country Club Administrative
Board be abolished and replaced with an Advisory Board, who would
work with the Club Manager. Mr. Banaszak also suggested leasing
the restaurant to an outside party. He further stated that the
losing departments should be remedied, instead of increasing the
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Minutes of Public Hearing
Held Wednesday, September 7, 1994
most productive money-makers such as carts and driving range, and
invoking a walking fee.
The Public Hearing recessed at 7:15 p.m. for the purpose of
convening the Special Meeting scheduled at that time. The Public
Hearing reconvened at 7:15 p.m.
Chester Bricker, 409 Flotilla Road, registered his protest of the
proposed $2.00 walkers' fee. Mr. Bricker told the Council that he
has seen people walk from the driving range directly to the 18th
green and start chipping balls. Mr. Bricker did not object to the
increase in dues, but said that walkers' fees would not be
enforceable, and would only be an aggravation.
Arnold Hess, 878 Fathom Court, member of the Country Club
Administrative Board, refuted the arguments against the proposed
walkers' fee. Mr. Hess explained that the Board's efforts are to
raise the revenue to meet increasing expenses, and since the
increased dues do not cover the entire expense, it is reasonable to
expect walkers to contribute to the maintenance of the entire club.
Robert Slater, 301 Linda Lane, Palm Beach Shores, told the Council
Lhat—there is — great —disparity in - income levels withi.n -t he
enthersh1p, that some members ate ones with little _.
nib'fixp� incomes while others are
the inrreas i I7. off and can afford complaint Mr.�
rly, 20.00 1 .
$later suggested that golf members be assessed a nominal minimum
sE,eucling fee for foo�l.on � every two months during the
eronly, to be tried for a year. NT. slater felt this would
r#ct an outside restaurant, essee, and would be supported,n.-
rs would have, ar minimum of „$10.0` �ei�i}is membe, 0 per everytwo` W
s^w .M
annrin r yG
,,.. n, 536 Greenwap Drive, addressed the Council regarding
hp ,proposed 1994-95 budget, giving an exegesis of the Vifage
budget message in a recent newsletter. Mr. Grin
yuest3on inn
oned the fact,that, 200,000 was, budgeted to implement the
wage and -Pay Plan Study before the Study was completed.
J'tlim Cicgarel.lo, 313 Lake cirdte, told the Village Council that the
.p
�rroposed Increase 3n membership dues is justified, but that the
,., , e
talkers should not be penalized beyond that. He recommended that
o�datory coupon books be Issued, to be spent at the restaurant.
ay Beattie, 20 Yacht Club Drive, Chairman of WGA 9-Holers,
reported that -the WGA members -disagree with the proposed increases;- -
and asked Council to reconsider.
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MAIM
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Minutes of Public Hearing
Held Wednesday, September 7, 1994
Barry Magee, 353 U. S. One, stated his opposition to the increase
in dues as well as the walkers' fee, and felt that members would be
driven to other clubs that cost less.
Robert Gavin, 740 Buttonwood, told the Council that he objected to
the walkers' fee because he didn't think it would generate enough
income. He also feels that the reasons for proposed increases
should be published in the Village Newsletter so that the golfers
who support the club should make the decisions.
M. C. Love, 837 Anchorage Drive, told the Council and the audience
that we should all consider ourselves blessed, and that the club is
something that everyone in the Village can enjoy and be proud of.
Mr. Love said that these charges need to be adjusted from time to
time, and feels that the Board has done an honest job of trying to
come up with reasonable increases. Mr. Love further added that if
the increase is due, it's due, and if the Board has studied and
reviewed the increases, they should be supported.
Mary Stronczer, 5480 N. Ocean Drive, Singer Island, replied to an
earlier speaker who questioned how walkers' fees could be
monitored. Mrs. Stronczer said she hoped that the walkers are
honest and have a conscience.
ADJOURNMENT
With no further comments to be heard, the Public Hearing adjourned
at, 7:57 p.m.
&thleen F. Kelly, C, Vi,.age Clerk