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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-2024 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 14, 2024 Susan Bickel, Mayor Deborah Searcy, Vice Mayor Judy Pierman, President Pro Tem Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Mayor Bickel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All members of Council were present. All members of staff were present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Bickel gave the invocation and Vice Mayor Searcy led the public in the Pledge. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION President Pro Tem Pierman read a statement and presented a dedication plaque to the family of Tom Magill who served on the Village's Audit Committee for eighteen (18) years and had passed away in October 2022. The plaque would be hung on the wall at the back of the Council Chambers and above the chair that Mr. Magill always sat in when he attended Council meetings. Mr. Magill's family thanked and expressed their gratitude to Council for the dedication plaque. Mayor Bickel read proclamations for International Women's Day and Women's History Month. Mayor Bickel stated that the proclamations were appropriate for that evening's Council meeting, since it would be the first time in the Village's history having five (5) women as Councilmembers. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held February 22, 2024 were approved as written. ADMINISTRTION OF INTERIM COUNCILMEMBER OATHS Village Clerk Jessica Green administered the Oath of Office to interim councilmembers Lisa Interlandi and Kristin Garrison. Said Oaths are attached to the official Minutes of Record. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 14, 2024 Page 2 of 6 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Orlando Puyol, 149 Ebbtide Drive, gave a background and history regarding the legalities of driving golf carts and low speed vehicles within the Village and stated that he had a low speed vehicle that met the requirements to legally drive on U.S. Hwy 1 or any street that was 35 miles per hour or less. Rita Budnyk, 804 Shore Drive, recommended preserving more green space within the Village and that Council consider green space when making decisions on new development. Ashley Knieriemen, 845 Anchorage Drive, gave recommendations as it related to the Master Plan. Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, expressed how five (5) women on the Council was a historic moment for the Village and the fact that it was made up of five (5) accomplished women in their fields with great families who were choosing to spend time to serve the community was a big deal. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Councilmember Garrison moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Interlandi seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The following items were approved: Receive for file Minutes of the Library Advisory Board meeting held 1/23/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Waterways Advisory Board meeting held 1/30/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Infrastructure Surtax Committee meeting held 2/13/24. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 2024-04 — CODE AMENDMENT — TREES AND SHRUBBERY A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by Councilmember Interlandi to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2024-04 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 27, "TREES AND SHRUBBERY," OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADOPT A NEW ARTICLE III, "SIGHT TRIANGLES," PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. Mr. Rubin explained that Village Council's adoption of Ordinance No. 2020-06 made extensive modifications to the Village's commercial zoning regulations to implement the Citizens' Master Plan. One of these modifications was to consolidate the Village's landscape regulations and adopt a new Article VII, "Landscaping," of Chapter 45, "Zoning," of the Village Code. Mr. Rubin explained that most of the provisions of the former Article III of Chapter 27 have been included in Article VII of Chapter 45, but the article did not apply to single-family and two-family dwellings. Village Staff was recommending the re -adoption of the sight triangle requirements formerly set forth in Section 27-66 of the Village Code of Ordinances. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 14, 2024 Page 3 of 6 PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE 2024-04 — CODE AMENDMENT — TREES AND SHRUBBERY continued Mr. Rubin stated that a revision was made to the ordinance since its first reading. The modified ordinance now applied only to residentially zoned properties and would not apply to commercial or mixed use zoning districts. Mayor Bickel opened the public hearing on Ordinance 2024-04. Orlando Puyol, 149 Ebbtide Drive, asked if the ordinance would be retroactive or only for new construction. There being no further comments from the public, Mayor Bickel closed the public hearing. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Rubin regarding the revised proposed ordinance. Thereafter, the motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2024-04 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-18 — COUNTRY CLUB STABILIZATION PROJECT A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by President Pro Tem Pierman to adopt Resolution 2024-18 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A PROPOSAL FROM MARSH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, LLC FOR POND STABILIZATION WORK AT THE NORTH PALM BEACH COUNTRY CLUB GOLF COURSE AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR SUCH SERVICES; WAIVING THE VILLAGE'S PURCHASING POLICES AND PROCEDURES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Head Golf Professional Allan Bowman showed pictures and explained why pond bank stabilization was necessary at the golf course for safety and aesthetic reasons. David Norris, 131 Davit Drive, congratulated the newly appointed Councilmembers. Mr. Norris expressed his support for the pond bank stabilization project at the golf course. John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concern regarding waiving the Village's Purchasing Policies and Procedures in order to award the contract for the pond stabilization project. Russell Beverstein, 415 U.S. Highway 1, expressed his support for the pond bank stabilization project at the golf course. Orlando Puyol, 149 Ebbtide Drive, expressed his support for awarding the contract for the pond bank stabilization project at the golf course to March Management Systems LLC because the work they have previously done at the golf course over the past few years as well as their good pricing and reputation. Mr. Bowman explained that Marsh Management Systems LLC was chosen because they were an approved contractor for Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 14, 2024 Page 4 of 6 RESOLUTION 2024-18 — COUNTRY CLUB STABILIZATION PROJECT continued Discussion ensued between Vice Mayor Searcy, Mr. Rubin and Mr. Bowman regarding the process utilized to choose and award the contract for the pond stabilization contract and the reasons why the pond banks were falling and deteriorating, and what could be done to prevent that in the future. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-18 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-19 — GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE SERVICES CONTRACT A motion was made by Councilmember Interlandi and seconded by Vice Mayor Searcy to adopt Resolution 2024-19 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING A CONTRACT FOR GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE SERVICES WITH BRIGHTVIEW GOLF MAINTENANCE, INC. AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Bowman gave a history of maintenance contractors that were used for the golf course. Mr. Bowman explained that an Evaluation and Selection Committee met in order to review the three (3) proposals received from Down to Earth, BrightView Golf and Cypress Golf. At the meeting, each proposer gave a twenty -minute presentation and at the conclusion of the meeting, the Committee reaffirmed its selection of BrightView Golf Maintenance, Inc. as the top -ranked proposer. John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concerns with BrightView Golf Maintenance, Inc. being chosen to provide golf course maintenance services. David Norris, 131 Davit Drive, expressed his support for using BrightView Golf Maintenance, Inc. to provide golf course maintenance services. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-19 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-20 — FDOT GRANT AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN OF LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by Councilmember Garrison to adopt Resolution 2024-20 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A STA 1'E-FUNDED GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR THE DESIGN OF THE LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT AND AUTHORIZING EXECUTION OF THE AGREEMENT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public Works Director Chad Girard explained the purpose of the proposed state funded FDOT Grant Agreement. Mr. Girard explained the process and a proposed timeline for the proposed Lighthouse Drive Bridge replacement project. John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concerns with and gave his recommendations regarding the FDOT Grant Agreement and the proposed Lighthouse Drive Bridge replacement project. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 14, 2024 Page 5 of 6 RESOLUTION 2024-20 — FDOT GRANT AGREEMENT FOR DESIGN OF LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT continued Orlando Puyol, 149 Ebbtide Drive, expressed his concerns with and gave his recommendations regarding the FDOT Grant Agreement and the proposed Lighthouse Drive Bridge replacement project. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that there would be community outreach for both the traffic -calming project for Lighthouse Drive and the replacement of the Lighthouse Drive Bridge and they were considered two (2) separate projects. Mr. Girard addressed concerns from the public regarding the FDOT Agreement. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-20 passed unanimously. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Mayor Bickel asked Mr. Huff to give an update on the U.S. Highway 1 Bridge. Mr. Huff gave an update on the U.S. Highway 1 Bridge. Mr. Huff stated that FDOT issued a Notice to Proceed in January; the project would begin in April and would take approximately eighteen (18) months to two (2) years to complete. Mayor Bickel stated that she agreed with Ms. Budnyk's concerns regarding the addition of preservation of green space to the Village's Comprehensive Plan and recommended that the Environmental Committee be involved in the process. Mr. Huff stated that the Environmental Committee was planning to be involved in the process of adding the preservation of green space to the Village's Comprehensive Plan. President Pro Tem Pierman asked if the meeting would be her last meeting as Councilmember. Village Clerk Jessica Green explained that traditionally the current sitting Council attends the meeting and sits on the dais until the certified election results are approved and then the former Councilmember steps down from the dais and the newly elected Councilmember steps up to sit at the dais. President Pro Tem Pierman stated that she had visited the Village's Departments and she wrote letters to the different Departments to let them know what a good job they were doing. President Pro Tem Pierman stated that even though there will be one winning candidate after the election, that there was an opportunity for the non -winning candidate to volunteer on a Village Advisory Board or Committee. President Pro Tem Pierman thanked the Council for allowing her to be a part of making history. President Pro Tem Pierman stated that former Councilmember Tom Kelsey and family donated funds to the Village's Library. Leisure Services Director Zak Sherman discussed and explained the items what would be purchased for the Library with the $25,000 donation that was received. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 14, 2024 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued President Pro Tem Pierman gave the following advice to the new Councilmembers: • Get to know your staff. • Do your homework. • Think things through. • Listen to the residents. • Know as much as you can about the rules and regulations of the Village. Page 6 of 6 President Pro Tem Pierman gave a brief history on the first woman Councilmember of the Village who was Patsy Love. President Pro Tem Pierman also gave a history of how she was the first woman Mayor of the Village in 1989 and returned to fill vacancies on Council three (3) times. President Pro Tem expressed her gratitude for being a part of the first all -women Council in the Village's history, and reminded everyone to go out and vote in the upcoming election. Councilmember Interlandi stated that several large oak trees were cut down in the Village recently. Councilmember Interlandi recommended bringing a tree protection ordinance back for consideration before bringing back the residential landscape code. Councilmember Garrison recommended consulting with an arborist when constructing an ordinance for the protection of trees within the Village. Council agreed that an arborist should be consulted to provide feedback on a proposed tree protection ordinance. REPORTS (SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND ADVISORY BOARDS) Field Operations Manager Marc Holloway gave a recommendation on behalf of the Waterways Advisory Board. The recommendation read as follows: "Council to authorize the Village contracted engineer up to 40 hours and also have Mr. David Norris for 4 hours to research the plat issue outlined in the materials and make suggestions regarding the value of pursuing more substantive legal and engineering efforts to clarify ownership and rights of the waterway to avoid conflict and later potentially impacting the Village interest at Anchorage Park bulkhead and to benefit the Village residents similarly impacted by unclear verbiage and descriptions of the plat along the Earman River." Mayor Bickel asked that staff look into the Waterways Advisory Board recommendation and stated that it was worth discussing. Mr. Huff stated that he and staff would gather information to bring back for discussion at a future meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:18 p.m. ica Green, MMC, Village Clerk OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Kristin Garrison, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State, and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of Councilmember on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of March, 2024, by Kristin Garrison, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN e ° Notary Public State of Florida "`tv,= Comm#HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 19 iD _ _Q—f"-- Ica J. re-n Notary ' ; is — State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482 OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Lisa Interlandi, do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support, protect, and defend the Constitution and Government of the United States and of the State of Florida; that I am duly qualified to hold office under the Constitution of the State, and that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of Councilmember on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 14th day of March, 2024, by Lisa Interlandi, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 Jes c J. Green Notary Pub- State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482