Loading...
06-25-2009 VC WS-MMINUTES OF THE WORKSHOP SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 25, 2009 • Present: David B. Norris, Mayor William Manuel, Vice Mayor Darryl Aubrey, Sc.D., President Pro Tem Edward M. Eissey, Ph.D., Councilman T.R. Hernacki, P.E., Councilman Jimmy Knight, Village Manager Leonard Rubin, Village Attorney Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk ROLL CALL Mayor Norris called the meeting to order at 8:17 p.m. All members of Council were present. All members of staffwere present. CODE AMENDMENT -CODE ENFORCEMENT CITATIONS Discussion was held concerning a proposed amendment to the Code of Ordinances to provide a streamlined process for the issuance and disposition of citations as an alternate method of code enforcement. Mr. Knight distributed a proposed list of Village code violations and fee examples for violations of a transitory or continuing nature. Mr. Knight stated that violations of any of these codes would result in a written citation issued by a code compliance officer, sworn police officer, or public safety aide, and would impose an immediate fine payable to the Village. Mr. Knight explained the position and authority of public safety aide. By consensus, Council approved the list of code violations proposed by staff. Discussion ensued on requiring payment of an administrative fee for a hearing before the Code Enforcement Board, if the respondent wishes to contest the citation. Mr. Rubin suggested that there could be no charge if the respondent prevails, but the hearing fee would be assessed if the Code Enforcement Board finds a violation. Further, Mr. Rubin suggested that if the citation is contested, the Code Enforcement Board could be authorized to impose a fine up to $250.00 for a first violation and $500.00 for repeat violations. Council consensus was in favor of an administrative fee only if the respondent is found in violation, with staffto suggest the charge to be imposed. Discussion took place on the penalty for first, second, third, and subsequent violations. Council consensus was to have the Code Enforcement Board review the proposed fee schedule, prior to adoption of the ordinance. It was requested that the Village Attorney examine the code sections that will engender written citations and fees to ensure that they are appropriate to be enforced by citation and that the prohibited actions are clearly prescribed. Mr. Rubin advised that the fines and the form of citation would be adopted by resolution. Discussion took place on issuing a warning for first offense. Mr. Knight recommended that this be left to the discretion of the officer. It was noted that the current process provides that violations of Village code may result in action before the Code Enforcement Board or issuance of a Notice to Appear in county court. • Council consensus was to use only the citation procedure for first, second, and third violations of specified Village codes, and that the fourth or subsequent violations would require an appearance before the Code Enforcement Board. Minutes of Village Council Workshop Session held June 25, 2009 Page 2 of 2 CODE AMENDMENT -CODE ENFORCEMENT CITATIONS continued • Council discussed the need to inform the public of the proposed change in enforcement of Village codes. Mr. Knight will place an article in the Village newsletter. It was suggested that signage specifying the violations and penalties be erected in the parks. This item will be placed on first reading after input by the Code Enforcement Board and notification to the public. CODE AMENDMENT -BUSINESS TAX RECEIPTS Discussion took place regarding a proposed increase in the existing fee schedule for local business taxes. Mr. Knight reported that the Village may not amend the business classifications set forth in Section 17-33 of the Code of Ordinances; however, it may increase the existing fees by 5%. Mr. Knight distnbuted a comparison of the business taxes imposed by neighboring municipalities for certain types of businesses, as well as a list of current North Palm Beach businesses that are taxed on inventory. Mr. Knight reviewed the classification of certain businesses and recommended decreasing the business tax on stockbrokers and commodities brokers. Mr. Knight discussed the collection of taxes for businesses that have a retail classification and are charged according to the amount of inventory. Mr. Knight reported a discrepancy in the current collection process, in which the fee for a retail business is capped at $1,500.00, and the fee schedule attached to the record -copy of past ordinances, which does not reflect a cap. Mr. Knight discussed the list of businesses that could be impacted by a cap, as well as the fees that would be due (based on the amount of inventory) with or without a cap. Mr. Rubin noted that the Village may decrease a fee or apply a cap. Council consensus was that the business tax for retail businesses be capped at $7,500; further, that the tax for stockbrokers and commodity brokers be decreased to be more in line with surrounding municipalities. This item was moved forward to the next Regular Session agenda. TELEPHONE AND DATA SYSTEMS Director of Information Technology Michael Applegate gave a presentation concerning the proposed change from AT&T to Nuvox Technologies for the provision of telephone and data systems to Village facilities. Mr. Applegate reviewed problems with the current service provided by AT&T and highlighted the advantages of migrating to Nuvox Technologies. Mr. Applegate reported that data and phone services currently cost the Village an average of $11,000.00 per month, while the cost for data services from Nuvox would be $4,188.00 per month or $50,256.00 per year, for an annual savings of almost $85,000.00. Mr. Applegate advised that upgrading would require additional networking equipment at a cost of $14,071.86; however, funds are available in the Finance Capital Project account that could be utilized for this expense. By consensus, Council moved this item to the next Regular Session agenda. ADJOURNMENT With no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Melissa Teal, CMC, Village Clerk