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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-2024 VC REG-MPresent: MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APRIL 11, 2024 Susan Bickel, Mayor Deborah Searcy, Vice Mayor Lisa Interlandi, President Pro Tem Orlando Puyol, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Absent: Kristin Garrison, Councilmember ROLL CALL Mayor Bickel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. All members of Council were present except for Councilmember Garrison who was having non -elective surgery. 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. COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS RESOLUTION 2024-26 — ACCEPTING ELECTION RESULTS A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2024-26 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING AND DECLARING THE RESULTS OF THE MARCH 19, 2024 GENERAL ELECTION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-26 passed with all present voting aye. ADMINISTRATION OF COUNCILMEMBER OATH Village Clerk Jessica Green administered the Oath of Office to newly elected councilmember Orlando Puyol. Said Oath is attached to the official Minutes of Record. Councilmember Puyol thanked the residents for electing him to the Village Council. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held April 11, 2024 Page 2 of 10 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Environmental Committee members, Mary Phillips, Kendra Zellner and Shawn Woods gave an update on the Earth Day celebration and activities that would be taking place on April 20 at the Community Center. The members also gave an update on the new Bird Village. Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, expressed her concerns regarding public comments that were made by certain residents at the previous Council meeting. Ms. Phillips stated that public comments could be used for a positive message or a request to bring attention to something in the community. Public comments should be delivered with respect and decorum. Shawn Woods, 1800 N. Estrella Court, Palm Beach Gardens, FL thanked Village staff for putting together a wonderful Heritage Day Festival. Ms. Woods expressed her concerns regarding public comments that were made by certain residents at the previous Council meeting. Ms. Woods recommended that the rules regarding public comments be enforced and adhered to. Rita Budnyk, 804 Shore Drive, expressed concerns regarding the yacht collector and owner of 932 Shore Drive who filed a lawsuit against the Village. Ms. Budnyk discussed and explained the history of code violation issues between the owner and the Village. Tim Hullihan, 840 Country Club Drive, gave a history on ownership and renting of dockage within the Village. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Item 4 was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda. Thereafter, the Consent agenda, as amended was approved with all present voting aye. The following item was approved: Resolution approving a Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement with the Florida Division of Emergency Management and authorizing its execution. RESOLUTION 2024-28 — AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH C.A.P. GOVNERMENT, INC. A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2024-28 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AN AMENDMENT TO A CONTRACT WITH C.A.P GOVERNMENT, INC. FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENT SERVICES PURSUANT TO PRICING ESTABLISHED IN AN EXISTING CONTRACT WITH THE TOWN OF JUPITER AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE THE AMENDMENT ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Huff explained that the purpose of the amendment was to increase the amount from $25,000 to $50,000 to C.A.P. Government, Inc. for building inspection and permit technician services that were being utilized by the Community Development Department. Councilmember Puyol asked if there were plans to subcontract all inspection services in the future. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held April 11, 2024 Page 3 of 10 RESOLUTION 2024-28 — AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT WITH C.A.P. GOVNERMENT, INC. continued Mr. Huff explained that the Village still intended to have in-house inspectors doing inspections. Mr. Huff explained that Community Development was utilizing C.A.P. Government, Inc.'s services in the interim so that the department does not get behind on inspections and other services while waiting for those internal positions to be filled. Councilmember Puyol stated that C.A.P. Government, Inc. provides very good service at a reasonable cost and recommended utilizing them permanently. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that she did not agree with outsourcing the Village's inspection services. President Pro Tem Interlandi asked if there were additional funds being expended through other contracts for the inspection services. Mr. Huff stated that there was one additional contract with another inspection services company. Mr. Huff stated that a full-time Building Inspector was just hired and was being familiarized with the Village. Mayor Bickel requested a separate workshop to review a cost benefit analysis between in-house inspections and outsourcing inspection services. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-28 passed with all present voting aye. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND QUASI-JUDICIAL MATTERS FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 2024-05 — CODE AMENDMENT — PROHIBITING REMOTE PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES A motion was made by President Pro Tem Interlandi and seconded by Vice Mayor Searcy to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2024-05 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE I, "IN GENERAL," OF CHAPTER 2, "ADMINISTRATION," OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING SECTION 2-1, "BOARDS AND COMMITTEES," TO PROHIBIT REMOTE PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin gave a background and history of the Village code as it related to remote participation of Village Boards and Committees. Mr. Rubin explained that the boards and committees code that was originally adopted did not allow members to participate by telephone, video conferencing or any other electronic means. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the code was revised to allow electronic participation by boards and committees members. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held April 11, 2024 Page 4 of 10 FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE 2024-05 — CODE AMENDMENT — PROHIBITING REMOTE PARTICIPATION BY MEMBERS OF VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES continued At the March 28, 2024 Village Council meeting, the Village Council discussed the issue of remote participation by board and committee members and determined that it was in the best interests of the Village to require in person attendance. The proposed ordinance would revise the code to require in person attendance of board and committee members. Mayor Bickel read into the record a public comment received from George Alger, 408 Ebbtide Drive. In his comment, Mr. Alger discussed his contributions to the Waterways Board during his tenure as a member and expressed his concerns with the proposed revisions to the ordinance that would require in person attendance of board and committee members. Mr. Alger recommended including an exception clause for absences in the code. Mark Michels, 648 Shore Road, stated that Mr. Alger has been a very productive member of the Waterways Board and expressed his concerns with the proposed revisions to the ordinance that would require in person attendance of board and committee members. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the proposed ordinance revising the code to require in person attendance of board and committee members. Thereafter, the motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2024-05 passed with all present voting aye. RESOLUTION 2024-29 — TREE TRIMMING MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES CONTRACTS A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2024-29 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING PROPOSALS SUBMITTED BY PRECISION LANDSCAPE COMPANY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, INC. AND SALGADO TREE TRIMMING, LLC FOR TREE TRIMMING, MANAGEMENT, AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE NON-EXCLUSIVE CONTRACTS FOR SUCH SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Director of Leisure Services Zak Sherman explained that the Village issued a Request for Proposals for Tree Trimming, Management and Maintenance Services on February 7, 2024. On March 7, 2024, five (5) proposals were received. A Selection Committee met on March 28, 2024 and ranked the proposals. Based upon the rankings the Selection Committee was recommending that the Village enter into non-exclusive contracts with the two top ranking landscaping companies, which were Precision Landscaping and Salgado Tree Trimming LLC. Councilmember Puyol asked for clarification on the contracts terms and the rates that the landscaping companies were charging. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held April 11, 2024 Page 5 of 10 RESOLUTION 2024-29 — TREE TRIMMING MANAGEMENT AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES CONTRACTS continued Mr. Sherman stated that if the companies signed the contracts, they were obligated to the initial term of three (3) years, with an option to renew for three (3) additional one-year terms for a cumulative total of six (6) years, using the same terms, conditions, and pricing during the initial term and renewal terms. President Pro Tem Interlandi recommended that the landscaping companies be instructed to adhere to the University of Florida recommendations for trimming palm trees. Mayor Bickel requested that the landscaping companies also be instructed to trim trees prior to hurricane season. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-29 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-30 — VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REAPPOINTMENTS A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2024-30 appointing all members who requested reappointment and entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, REAPPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE, BUSINESS ADVISORY BOARD, ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE, GOLF ADVISORY BOARD, LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD, PLANNING, ZONING AND ADJUSTMENT BOARD, RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD AND WATERWAYS BOARD; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Village Clerk Jessica Green explained that there were twenty-one (21) board and committee members whose terms were expiring on April 30, 2024. These board and committee members were notified by the Village Clerk's office and asked to complete and submit an Advisory Board Application for Reappointment if they wanted to be considered for reappointment. The notification advised that if a completed Application for Reappointment was not received by the deadline, reappointment to the board would not be considered. The results of the notification were as follows: • 13 members requested reappointment and submitted completed applications • 3 members declined reappointment • 2 members were no longer eligible for reappointment due to being elected as Councilmembers • 3 memberships were recently vacated due to resignation or removal from the board for absenteeism Village Clerk Green explained that it was Council's decision whether to reappoint all, some or none of the members who requested reappointment. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held April 11, 2024 Page 6 of 10 RESOLUTION 2024-30 — VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REAPPOINTMENTS continued The following boards and committee members gave a public comment: Kendra Zellner Rita Budnyk Marie Silvani Stephen Heiman Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S, expressed his concerns regarding Karen Marcus' history as a lobbyist and her probable reappointment to the Environmental Committee. Mr. Ryder also expressed concerns regarding the lack of lobbyist logs kept at the Village and registered lobbyists either employed by the Village or serving on a Village Advisory Board or Committee. Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, expressed her thoughts regarding contributing time and expertise to boards and committees without being present at the board meetings. Ms. Phillips also stated that Karen Marcus was an asset to the Environmental Committee. Shawn Woods, 1800 N. Estrella Court, Palm Beach Gardens, FL stated that she has had the honor and pleasure of serving on the Environmental Committee with both Ms. Interlandi and Ms. Marcus and stated that the assertion that something nefarious by Ms. Marcus was occurring was preposterous. Ms. Woods stated that residents calling people out and making negative comments does not serve the community constructively. Troy Dickey, 108 Paradise Harbour Blvd. Unit 409, recommended that residents who cannot attend advisory boards and committees should have an opportunity to give input. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the advisory board and committee appointment and reappointment process. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Rubin regarding lobbyists on boards and whether there was a conflict with reappointing Ms. Marcus to the Environmental Committee. Mr. Rubin stated that he was not aware of any ethical violations that would prohibit Ms. Marcus from being reappointed to the Environmental Committee. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-30 passed with all present voting aye. The names of those reappointed to Village Boards and Committees were entered into Resolution 2024-30 as follows: Audit Committee: Marie Silvani Business Advisory Board: Nina Balgar Environmental Committee: Karen Marcus, Kendra Zellner. Golf Advisory Board: Sandra Felis, Richard Pizzolato. Library Advisory Board: Carolyn Kost, Tina Chippas. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held April 11, 2024 Page 7 of 10 RESOLUTION 2024-30 — VILLAGE BOARDS AND COMMITTEES REAPPOINTMENTS continued Planning, Zoning and Adiustment Board: Thomas Hogarth Recreation Advisory Board: Stephen Heiman, Rita Budnyk. Waterways Board: Mark Michels, George Alger. COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION MATTERS Motion- Designation of voting delegate and alternates for the PBC League of Cities A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by Mayor Bickel to designate Councilmember Puyol as voting delegate and President Pro Tem Interlandi as alternate voting delegate for the Palm Beach County League of Cities. Thereafter, the motion passed with all present voting aye. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Vice Mayor Searcy requested that a letter be mailed to all of the potentially annexed residents who voted against the annexation stating that even though the annexation did not pass, the Village would still love to welcome them in if they were interested in voluntarily annexing in the future. Vice Mayor Searcy asked that since it was after the Easter holiday if Council would be dressing more casual for future Council meetings. Mayor Bickel asked Councilmember Puyol if he wanted to start dressing casually for future meetings. Councilmember Puyol stated that he would prefer to dress more casually for future meetings during the summer and until the fall months begin. Vice Mayor Searcy gave recommendations to revise the advisory boards and committees' reappointment and appointment process. Vice Mayor Searcy requested that the meeting dates and times of advisory boards and committees be included in the e-News electronic newsletter. Mayor Bickel recommended having a cocktail hour at the Country Club in order for residents to have brief conversations with Councilmembers. Councilmember Puyol if there would be discussion regarding the difference between occupant of a residence or occupying a residence as it related to the lawsuit regarding the yacht collector and owner of 932 Shore Drive who filed a lawsuit against the Village. Mr. Rubin stated that it would best not to discuss the matter until the litigation was over. Mr. Rubin discussed what the process of the litigation would be going forward. Councilmember Puyol asked if there was something in place to update Council on the progress of current and ongoing projects. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held April 11, 2024 Page 8 of 10 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mayor Bickel stated that it was a good idea to have an update on projects at Council meetings. Councilmember Puyol stated that there needed to be clarification regarding hedges and landscaping triangles in the code. Mr. Huff and Mr. Rubin stated that they would bring back information regarding the code as it related to hedges and landscaping triangles. Councilmember Puyol recommended that the quality and amount of lighting in the Village be assessed and reviewed. Mr. Huff discussed and gave an update on the plan and program for FPL to change out lighting within the Village. The goal was for FPL to change out all of the lighting within the Village. Councilmember Puyol asked if a substation could be placed at the end of Monet Road for a marine fire or police unit and asked for clarification on the landscaping maintenance on the property. Mr. Rubin gave a history on the property at the end of Monet Road and stated that the property belonged to the Village. Mayor Bickel explained that Council would be discussing priorities and goals at a Strategic Planning Workshop in the future and that the scheduling of the workshop would be discussed later in the meeting. Mayor Bickel expressed her concerns regarding meeting lobbyists and stated that the Town of Juno recently banned private meetings with lobbyists and recommended that the Village do the same. Mr. Rubin clarified that the Town of Juno's ban was for Council or the Planning and Zoning Board members to no longer have private lobbyist meetings with applicants for development projects. Mayor Bickel stated that she agreed with the Town of Juno's ban and that she did not have an issue with staff meeting with applicants for development projects. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that she had no issue meeting with property owners or the developers who were interested in developing their property and did not agree with banning the private meetings with applicants for development projects. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding private meetings with lobbyists or applicants for development projects. Mr. Rubin stated that there was no obligation that Councilmembers meet with a lobbyist or applicant for a development project. Discussion continued regarding private meetings with lobbyists or applicants for development projects and the keeping of lobbyist logs. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held April 11, 2024 Page 9 of 10 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that most governmental agencies require any person visiting with staff or senior management sign in and indicate the purpose of their visit. President Pro Tem Interlandi recommended that the Village practice the same policy. Mayor Bickel recommended that the new Council have a discussion on the proposed project at the Twin City Mall site and schedule a workshop for the discussion. Council came to consensus to have a workshop scheduled to discuss the proposed project at the Twin City Mall site. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Annual Audit Committee Report Marie Silvani, Chair of the Audit Committee presented the Annual Report of the Audit Committee. Marie Silvani requested that staff provide clarification to those who have tennis memberships regarding reimbursement of tennis memberships during the two -month time of closing the tennis courts at the Country Club to replace the lighting. Mr. Huff introduced Ms. Lucia Medina and Ms. Rachel Loffing from Hazen and Sawyer to give a presentation on the Stormwater Master Plan Modeling and Design Implementation. Ms. Medina and Ms. Loffing began the presentation, and discussed and explained the following topics: • General Analysis • Flooding Results and Level of Services Analysis • Recommended Projects and Programs • Funding and Financing • SWMP Finalization — Phase 1 o Community Awareness, Stakeholder Communication Plan, and Outreach • Vulnerability Assessment (VA) • SWMP Implementation Discussion ensued between Councilmembers, staff and Ms. Medina regarding Stormwater Master Plan Modeling and Design Implementation. Mr. Huff explained the history of stormwater within the Village and the purpose of the Stormwater Master Plan Modeling and Design Implementation. Discussion continued between Councilmembers, staff and Ms. Medina regarding Stormwater Master Plan Modeling and Design Implementation. Mr. Huff asked if Council would prefer to have a Special Council Meeting for the upcoming Board and Committee applicants and their interviews. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held April 11, 2024 Page 10 of 10 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS continued Vice Mayor Searcy stated that it depended on how many applicants would be presented for consideration at a meeting. If there were a small amount of applicants, then a Special Meeting would not be necessary. Strategic Planning Workshop meeting dates and times Ms. Janjua presented a list of tentative dates for the scheduling of Strategic Planning Workshops and asked Council what dates and times they would prefer to conduct the workshops. Council came to consensus to schedule a Strategic Planning Workshop from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on May 23, 2024 and to then break for 30 minutes and have the regularly scheduled Council meeting begin at 6 p.m. instead of 7 p.m., and to schedule a second Strategic Planning Workshop for May 29, 2024 at 4 p.m. ADJOURNMENT There being no her business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 p.m. Jes$fc Green, MMC, Village Clerk 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 I lth day of April, 2024, by Orlando Puyol, who is personally known to me. SAR JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida °''= Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 1 Jeica J. Green Notary Pu rc — State of Florida My Commission Expires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482