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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-2024 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 28, 2024 Susan Bickel, Mayor Deborah Searcy, Vice Mayor Judy Pierman, President Pro Tem Kristin Garrison, Councilmember Lisa Interlandi, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Vice Mayor Searcy called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All members of Council were present except for Mayor Bickel who was running late. All members of staff were present. INVOCATION AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Mayor Searcy gave the invocation and President Pro Tem Pierman led the public in the Pledge. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Vice Mayor Searcy read and presented a proclamation for Florida Bicycle Month to Brian Ruscher, Deputy Director of Multimodal at the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency and Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Maria G. Marino. Mr. Ruscher and Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Marino thanked Council for signing and providing the proclamation. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held March 14, 2024 were approved as written. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Ron Okolichany, 417 Northlake Drive, congratulated Orlando Puyol, Lisa Interlandi and Kristin Garrison on their election to Village Council. Mr. Okolichany discussed the Village Organization Chart and reminded Council that the residents were at the top of the Organization Chart. John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, discussed and expressed his concerns regarding how candidates and those who run for public office come to speak at Council meetings regarding their qualifications, plans and goals. Mr. Samadi also expressed his concerns regarding not receiving a response to a concern that he requested from Senator Powell's office approximately office six (6) years ago. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 28, 2024 Page 2 of 6 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC continued Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S, expressed his concerns regarding past employees of consultants who had been involved with the proposed 200 Yacht Club Drive project and other Village proposed projects. Mr. Ryder continued by discussing and giving a history of past and present proposed projects within the Village. Mr. Ryde expressed his concerns regarding registered lobbyists appointed to Village Advisory Boards or Village Council. Tim Hullihan, 840 Country Club Drive, congratulated the newly elected Councilmembers. Mr. Hullihan discussed the difference between consensus finding and consensus forming and expressed his concerns regarding the Village's Master Plan. Rita Budnyk, 804 Shore Drive, congratulated the newly elected Councilmembers. Ms. Budnyk asked for volunteers for the upcoming Heritage Day Festival. Noel Martinez, President of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce, 5520 PGA Boulevard, Palm Beach Gardens, introduced himself and gave a brief overview of the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Martinez congratulated the Village on having its first all women Council at the March 14, 2024 Council meeting. Mr. Martinez thanked Judy Pierman and Karen Marcus for assisting their community as Interim Councilmembers. Mr. Martinez congratulated and welcomed the newly elected Councilmembers Interlandi, Garrison and Puyol. Mayor Bickel arrived to the meeting at approximately 7:23 p.m. Maria Marino, Vice Mayor of Palm Beach County, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, thanked Judy Pierman and Karen Marcus for assisting their community as Interim Councilmembers, and congratulated and welcomed newly elected Councilmembers Interlandi, Garrison and Puyol. Senator Bobby Powell, District 24, gave a 2024 Legislative Session update. COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS President Pro Tem Pieiivan expressed her thanks and appreciation to Karen Marcus for stepping in as an Interim Councilmember and stated Ms. Marcus modeled one who gives to her family and grandchildren and the entire community. Ms. Marcus has modeled an exemplary life of making a difference for the welfare of the youth, her family and the community. MOTION TO APPOINT INTERIM COUNCILMEMBER TO GROUP 3 A motion was made by Councilmember Interlandi and seconded by Councilmember Garrison to appoint Orlando Puyol as Interim Councilmember to Group 3. Thereafter the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Puyol thanked his family and the residents for his election to the Village Council. ADMINISTRATION OF INTERIM COUNCILMEMBER OATHS Village Clerk Jessica Green administered the Oath of Office to re-elected councilmember Deborah Searcy, to elected councilmembers Kristin Garrison and Lisa Interlandi and to appointed interim councilmember Orlando Puyol. Said Oaths are attached to the official Minutes of Record. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 28, 2024 Page 3 of 6 COUNCIL REORGANIZATION Mayor Bickel opened the floor to nominations for the office of Mayor. Deborah Searcy nominated Susan Bickel to continue as Mayor until the next Council reorganization scheduled for 2025. With no other nominations for Mayor, Susan Bickel was declared Mayor. Susan Bickel nominated Deborah Searcy to continue as Vice Mayor until the next Council reorganization scheduled for 2025. With no other nominations for Vice Mayor, Deborah Searcy was declared Vice Mayor. Kristin Garrison nominated Lisa Interlandi for President Pro Tem. With no other nominations for President Pro Tem, Lisa Interlandi was declared President Pro Tem. Thereafter, the names of Susan Bickel, Deborah Searcy, and Lisa Interlandi were entered into Resolution 2024-21. RESOLUTION 2024-21 — APPOINTING COUNCIL OFFICERS A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2024-21 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPOINTING THE MAYOR, VICE MAYOR AND PRESIDENT PRO TEM FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-21 passed unanimously. Village Clerk Jessica Green administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Bickel, Vice Mayor Searcy, and President Pro Tem Interlandi. Said Oaths are attached to the official Minutes of Record. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Councilmember Puyol moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Searcy seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The following items were approved: Resolution accepting a proposal from Gator Lawn and Landscape Services 2013 LLC for swale restoration at specified locations within the Village at a total cost of $48,325; and authorizing execution of the Contract. Resolution approving the purchase of new chairs for the Village Council Chambers from America's Office Source and increasing the total amount of funds expended to America's Office Source for Fiscal Year 2024 to $50,000. Receive for file Minutes of the Business Advisory Board meeting held 1/16/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held 1/31/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Golf Advisory Board meeting held 2/13/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Board meeting held 2/13/24. RESOLUTION 2024-24 — ACCEPTANCE OF FY 2023 AUDIT REPORT A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2024-24 entitled: Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 28, 2024 Page 4 of 6 RESOLUTION 2024-24 — ACCEPTANCE OF FY 2023 AUDIT REPORT continued A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING THE ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT PREPARED BY THE VILLAGE AUDITOR FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2023 AND AUTHORIZING ITS FILING WITH THE STATE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Terry Norton of Nowlen, Holt & Miner, reviewed the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. Ron Okolichany, 417 Northlake Drive, expressed his concerns regarding the Country Club financials reported in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2023. Mr. Okolichany gave his recommendations regarding the management and finances of the Country Club. Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S, expressed his concerns regarding the management and finances of the Country Club and other purchases approved by Council. Vice Mayor Searcy clarified that the agenda item was just an approval of the FY 2023 Audit Report and not discussing the future budget. Budget discussions would take place in the following months where there will be workshops for public input. Vice Mayor Searcy congratulated the Finance Department for their hard work, for winning both audit, and budget awards for the 35th year in a row. Councilmember Puyol stated that it was important for the Country Club to have a positive cash flow and that the future budget revenues and expenditures should be closely evaluated. Mayor Bickel encouraged residents to attend future budget workshops to give their input. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-24 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-25 — PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR REPLACEMENT OF EAST ALLEY WALL A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2024-25 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A PROPOSAL FROM ENGENUITY GROUP, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EAST ALLEY WALL AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public Works Director Chad Girard explained the reason for the resolution was to accept a proposal for design services to address the replacement of the East Alley Wall between Atlantic Alley and Yacht Club Drive. John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concerns regarding the proposed East Alley Wall replacement project. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 28, 2024 Page 5 of 6 RESOLUTION 2024-25 — PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR REPLACEMENT OF EAST ALLEY WALL continued Councilmember Puyol explained that the design services for the replacement of the East Alley Wall were necessary due to safety concerns. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-25 passed unanimously. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Discussion — Advisory Board and Committee attendance by telephone Bill Hipple, 539 Captains Road, expressed his concerns regarding telephonic or electronic participation on Village Advisory Boards and Committees. Mr. Hipple stated that he did not approve of electronic participation for members of Advisory Boards or Committees. Mayor Bickel read into the record a public comment received from George Alger, 408 Ebbtide Drive. In his comment, Mr. Alger expressed his desire to remain a member of the Waterways Advisory Board, gave an overview of his credentials and stated that he was committed to attending all meetings in some capacity, even if it was through telecommunication. Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S, discussed telephonic attendance and absenteeism on Advisory Boards and gave his recommendations. Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff, Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding whether or not to allow telephonic or electronic participation on Village Advisory Boards and Committees. Council came to consensus to prohibit telephonic or electronic participation on Village Advisory Boards and Committees and directed staff to bring forward an ordinance to amend the Village code. Mayor Bickel asked Police Chief Jenkins to share an update on police officers who recently received awards. Police Chief Jenkins stated that Sergeant Ciezak, Corporal Prudhomme, Officer Wright and Officer Bussek received a PBA Achievement Award. Vice Mayor Searcy thanked Karen Marcus and Judy Pierman for their service to the Village and stated that she was excited to begin working with the newly elected Councilmembers. Councilmember Puyol announced the upcoming Easter events and the Heritage Day Festival in the Village and stated that he was excited to ride the fire truck with the Easter bunny. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Director of Leisure Services Zak Sherman gave an update and schedule of events for the upcoming Heritage Day Festival that would be taking place Friday, April 5 through Saturday, April 6. Mr. Huff explained that Council would be judging the parade at the Heritage Day Festival. Mr. Huff thanked Karen Marcus and Judy Pierman for their service to the Village and stated that he was glad to begin working with the newly elected Councilmembers. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 28, 2024 Page 6 of 6 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mr. Huff stated that Shawn Woods who was a member of the Environmental Committee and had one (1) year left on her term, was unable to remain residing within the residential limits of the Village. Mr. Huff asked if Council would be willing to waive the residency requirement for Ms. Woods for the remainder of her term. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Rubin regarding the waiving of residency requirements for Village Board and Committee members, and whether or not to waive the residency requirement for Ms. Woods. A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Vice Mayor Searcy to waive the residency requirement for Environmental Committee member Shawn Woods for one (1) year. Thereafter the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Huff stated that the certified election results for Mr. Puyol's election to Council would not be received from the Supervisor of Elections Office until end of business day on Monday, April 1. Mr. Huff asked Mr. Puyol if he would prefer to schedule a Special Council Meeting in order to swear him in from interim Councilmember to official Councilmember or to wait until the next Council meeting on April 11. Councilmember Puyol stated that he preferred to wait until the next regular scheduled Council meeting on April 11. Mr. Huff stated that he had the opportunity to attend the swearing in of three (3) new Village Police Officers. Mr. Huff thanked staff for their incredible job with navigating and working through the resignations and changes to Council that occurred over the last six (6) months. ADJOURNMENT There being no fwtJ. er business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:58 p.m. Jesscj Green, MMC, Village Clerk OC OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Deborah Searcy, 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 28th day of March, 2024, by Deborah Searcy, who is personally known to me. VARY . JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida sY.Comm# HH483482 s�N E 1s Expires 3/7/2028 J sicaJ. Green otary Pubfi.c —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, Orlando Puyol, 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 28th day of March, 2024, by Orlando Puyol, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 • JJ. Green Notary Pt — 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, 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 Councilinember on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th day of March, 2024, by Kristin Garrison, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 essica . Green Notary Putt — 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 28th 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 sica J. Green State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482 otary P OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Susan Bickel, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Florida, and the Charter and Code of the Village of North Palm Beach; and that I will faithfully, honestly and impartially discharge my duties as Mayor during my continuance therein, so help me God. STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF PALM BEACH Sworn to and subscribed before me by means of physical presence this 28th day of March, 2024, by Susan Bickel, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 Jess ca J. reen ary Publi ate 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, Deborah Searcy, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Florida, and the Charter and Code of the Village of North Palm Beach; and that I will faithfully, honestly and impartially discharge my duties as Vice Mayor during my continuance therein, so help me God. STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF PALM BEACH Sworn to and subscribed before me by means of physical presence this 28th day of March, 2024, by Deborah Searcy, who is personally known to me. 19 JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm## HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 Jessi J. een ry Public to 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 that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution of the State of Florida, and the Charter and Code of the Village of North Palm Beach; and that I will faithfully, honestly and impartially discharge my duties as President Pro Tem during my continuance therein, so help me God. STATE OF FLORIDA COUNTY OF PALM BEACH Sworn to and subscribed before me by means of physical presence this 28th day of March, 2024, by Lisa Interlandi, who is personally known to me. 4 OcE19� JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public • State of Florida • Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 Jes Ica J Green tary Public — State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #11H483482