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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-26-2024 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 26, 2024 Susan Bickel, Mayor Deborah Searcy, Vice Mayor Lisa Interlandi, President Pro Tem Kristin Garrison, Councilmember Orlando Puyol, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Mayor Bickel called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members of Council were present. All members of staff were present. Mayor Bickel asked for a moment of silence for fellow Floridians on the west coast who were experiencing the effects of Hurricane Helene. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Mayor Searcy led the public in the Pledge. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA Mayor Bickel announced a removal and continuation of Item #14 — 1st Reading of Ordinance 2024- 16 EAR Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Updated Water Supply Facilities Work Plan to the next Council meeting scheduled on October 10, 2024. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to continue Item #14 — 1st Reading of Ordinance 2024-16 EAR Comprehensive Plan Amendments and Updated Water Supply Facilities Work Plan to the next Council meeting scheduled on October 10, 2024. Thereafter, the motion passed unanimously. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Mayor Bickel read a Proclamation for Arbor Day. Members of the Environmental Committee accepted the proclamation and thanked Council. Mayor Bickel read a Proclamation for Florida Climate Week. A representative for Florida Climate Week was not present to accept the proclamation. Mayor Bickel stated that the proclamation would be mailed to the recipient. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 26, 2024 Page 2 of 9 APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held August 22, 2024 and the Minutes of the Regular Session held September 12, 2024 were approved as written. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Vice Mayor Searcy asked if Library Director Julie Morrell could provide information regarding the statistics for the Library's books and audiobooks. Ms. Morrell explained the purposes of the proposed blanket purchase orders for the Library and provided projected statistics of circulating 83,000 regular books, and 36,000 e-books and e-audio books for the new fiscal year. Vice Mayor Searcy moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Councilmember Puyol seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The following items were approved: Motion allowing Parks and Recreation Department, and Library Staff to accept donations valued over $25,000 for Parks and Recreation Department, and Library Programs including support from the Friends of the Library. Motion to grant a merit increase of 4.2% to the Village Clerk based upon the averaged score of the performance evaluations and directing the Village to process same. Resolution approving an Eleventh Amendment to the Agreement for Grant Services with RMPK Funding, Inc. for a total compensation not to exceed $20,000; and authorizing execution of the Amendment. Resolution approving a Fiscal Year 2025 Blanket Purchase Order for the Parks and Recreation Department, and Library with Ani Con Services, LLC for plumbing services in the total amount of $40,000. Resolution approving a Blanket Purchase Order with Baker and Taylor, LLC in an exceed $71,013 for Village Library Books. Resolution approving a Blanket Purchase Order with OCLC, LLC in an amount $29,000 for Village Library access to electronic books and audio books. Receive for file Minutes of the Business Advisory Board meeting held 3/19/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Waterways Board meeting held 8/27/24. PUBLIC HEARING AND QUASI-JUDICAL MATTERS amount not to not to exceed PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2024-14 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING AND ADOPTING THE FINAL LEVY OF AD VALOREM TAXES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2024 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 26, 2024 Page 3 of 9 PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued i A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2024-15 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING THE ANNUAL BUDGET OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2024 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 AND AUTHORIZING ALLOCATIONS, APPROPRIATIONS AND EXPENDITURES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BUDGET AND AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW; APPROVING A COMPREHENSIVE PAY PLAN AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO MAKE TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS TO BUDGETED POSITIONS; APPROVING A MASTER FEE SCHEDULE; PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF GOVERNMENTAL FUNDS WHEN NECESSARY; PROVIDING FOR THE RECEIPT OF GRANTS OR GIFTS; PROVIDING PROCEDURES FOR BUDGET AMENDMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE LAPSE OF OUTSTANDING ENCUMBRANCES AND THE RE -APPROPRIATION OF UNEXPENDED APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE PRIOR FISCAL YEAR; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Huff thanked staff for their work on the budget. Mr. Huff stated that the increase to the budget was comprised of both Police and Fire contracts, the Comprehensive Pay Plan and the Operating Budget. Mr. Huff stated that the 19% increase in salaries were not just salaries but the salaries including benefits. Mayor Bickel opened the public hearing on the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate and FY 2025 Budget. Robert Silvani, 100 Cruiser Road S addressed the Council with his concerns regarding the proposed Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate and FY 2025 Budget. Karen Marcus, 920 Evergreen Drive, expressed her support regarding the proposed Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate and FY 2025 Budget. John Frerking, 130 Cruiser Road S, addressed the Council with his concerns regarding the proposed Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate and FY 2025 Budget. There being no further comments, Mayor Bickel closed the public hearing. Mayor Bickel stated that a large part of the budget increase was due to Police and Fire salary increases as well as the compensation study that was done to bring all Village employees' salaries up to the 60th percentile of the neighboring communities' salaries. Mayor Bickel stated that making sure the Village's employees were paid adequately was worth the increase to the budget. Mayor Bickel stated that more meetings regarding the budget should occur in the next budget process cycle. Mayor Bickel stated that she did not take the budget process lightly and had spent a long time looking through the budget paperwork to know exactly what was being spent because she owed that to her family and the residents. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that her participation in the budget process was taking countless hours meeting with staff and combing through the budget. Vice Mayor Searcy discussed and explained the steps that were taken by staff and Council to produce with the budget. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 26, 2024 Page 4 of 9 PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued Vice Mayor Searcy discussed and explained that there were policies and procedures that have to be met before purchases are made by the Village. Vice Mayor Searcy explained that all of the processes and decisions were mostly made behind the scenes by Village staff where the public is not aware. Vice Mayor Searcy discussed the difference in police salaries from 1974 to present stating that the present day salary was not much compared to the cost of living today. Vice Mayor Searcy expressed that everything that the Village does and purchases such as sidewalk repairs cost money. Vice Mayor Searcy discussed the challenges that the Village has had in hiring and retaining police officers and a Building Official. Vice Mayor Searcy reiterated that she was in support of the Village Place proposed project because it will bring in more tax dollars to cover costs and lower the millage rate. President Pro Tem Interlandi thanked the public who participated in the budget process and encouraged the public to continue to be involved in future budget meetings and workshops. President Pro Tem Interlandi concurred that she and other Councilmembers spent many hours reviewing the budget. President Pro Tem Interlandi reviewed key factors that comprised the FY25 budget which included the fact that the Village did not see as much of an increase in property values as other municipalities, the Police and Fire contracts, and the need to compensate and retain qualified staff. President Pro Tem Interlandi discussed and explained the process of the compensation study. President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that she reviewed different aspects of the budget including Capital Improvements to see if costs could be cut. President Pro Tem Interlandi reviewed and discussed the history of the Village's millage rates and future projects of significant expense. President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that she supported the proposed budget. Councilmember Puyol stated that when he speaks he speaks from the heart and sometimes is misunderstood or misinterpreted. Councilmember Puyol stated that he sat through all of the budget meetings and stated that he valued the residents of the community. Councilmember Puyol expressed that he voted for the Police and Fire contracts and that he agreed that they were needed. Councilmember Puyol discussed different emails he received from residents regarding the proposed budget. Councilmember Puyol stated that his intentions were not to be argumentative but that it was the resident's money being spent through the budget. Councilmember Puyol recommended using the Audit Committee in the future to take a closer look at the budget. Councilmember Puyol stated that he hoped to be transparent with Village employees and residents. Mayor Bickel expressed that it was difficult to be a Councilmember and make decisions that may make people unhappy. Mayor Bickel reopened the public hearing on the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate and FY 2025 Budget. John Frerking, 130 Cruiser Road S, stated that it was not his intention to impugn anyone regarding the budget process. Mr. Frerking made recommendations regarding the Village newsletter. There being no further comments, Mayor Bickel closed the public hearing. Mayor Bickel announced that the rolled back rate was 6.4464 mils, the percentage increase over the rolled back rate was 14.79%, and the millage rate to be levied was 7.4000 mils. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 26, 2024 Page 5 of 9 PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued The motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2024-14 approving the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate passed 4 tol with Mayor Bickel, Vice Mayor Searcy, President Pro Tem Interlandi and Councilmember Garrison voting aye and Councilmember Puyol voting nay. The motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2024-15 approving the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Budget passed 4 tol with Mayor Bickel, Vice Mayor Searcy, President Pro Tem Interlandi and Councilmember Garrison voting aye and Councilmember Puyol voting nay. RESOLUTION 2024-86 — ANCHORAGE PARK BOAT RAMP REPLACEMENT A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2024-86 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ACCEPTING A PROPOSAL FROM FERREIRA CONSTRUCTION CO. INC. FOR THE ANCHORAGE PARK BOAT RAMP REPLACEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT FOR SUCH SERVICES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Marc Holloway, Field Operations Manager stated that the Village issued a Request for Proposals for the reconstruction of the boat ramp at Anchorage Park on August 7, 2024 in which three (3) proposals were received. A Selection Committee met on September 5, 2024 and ranked the proposals. Based on the rankings, the Selection Committee recommended Ferreira Construction Company. Mr. Holloway discussed and explained the proposals. Councilmember Puyol stated that he would like to see the design of the boat ramp from Engenuity Group. Vice Mayor Searcy asked how long the boat ramp would be closed. Mr. Holloway stated that the boat ramp reconstruction would take ninety (90) days but they did not have a start date established yet. Vice Mayor Searcy asked if residents would be able to launch their boats at another location during the reconstruction. Mr. Huff stated that he would reach out to the Town of Lake Park's marina. President Pro Tem Interlandi asked if it was possible to reconstruct the boat ramp at the same time that the dry storage renovation was taking place. Mr. Holloway stated that it was determined that there would not be enough space to do both projects at the same time. Mayor Bickel asked if the dry storage rentals were being prorated during construction. Mr. Huff stated that the dry storage rentals would be prorated for three (3) months. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-86 passed unanimously. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 26, 2024 Page 6 of 9 RESOLUTION 2024-87 — PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY GENERATOR CONTRACTS A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2024-87 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF A NEW GENERATOR FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY; APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH INTRACOASTAL GENERATORS, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE GENERATOR AND APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH MINUTEMAN ELECTRIC, INC. FOR THE INSTALLATION OF THE GENERATOR AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACTS; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLARK TO AMEND THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND BUDGET TO TRANSFER $59,267.00 FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE ACCOUNT TO THE FACILITIES — MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT CAPITAL ACCOUNT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Facilities Manager James Anthony explained that the emergency generator at the Public Works facility was crucial to maintaining power and was in need of replacement. The existing generator installed in January 1991 had exceeded its operational lifespan and needed frequent repairs and has become increasingly difficult to source parts. Mr. Anthony explained that the purchase was divided in two parts as the selected generator vendor did not provide installation services. The generator would be purchased from IntraCoastal Generators, Inc. and the installation would be done by Minuteman Electric, Inc. Councilmember Puyol asked how the generator would be fueled. Mr. Anthony stated that the generator would be fueled by diesel. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-87 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-88 — POLICE VEHICLES PURCHASE A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2024-88 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING THE PURCHASE OF FOUR CHEVROLET TAHOE SPORT UTILITY POLICE VEHICLES FROM GARBER CHEVROLET PURSUANT TO PRICING ESTABLISHED IN AN EXISTING FLORIDA SHERIFFS ASSOCIATION CONTRACT AND EQUIPPED BY DANA SAFETY SUPPLY, INC. PURSUANT TO PRICING ESTABLISHED IN AN EXISTING CITY OF MIAMI CONTRACT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public Works Director Chad Girard explained that the purchase was for four (4) black and white Chevrolet Tahoes to be utilized as Police Department Patrol Vehicles. Staff was requesting that the vehicles be procured prior to FY 2025 utilizing the available funds held in the Village's Special Projects Fund. During the request for quotes, staff discovered that the vendor had four units that became available as another municipality was not utilizing its full order. The vehicles will need to be painted and equipped to match the North Palm Beach standard. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 26, 2024 Page 7 of 9 RESOLUTION 2024-88 — POLICE VEHICLES PURCHASE continued Vice Mayor Searcy asked when the vehicles would be available. Mr. Girard explained that the vehicles were in stock, the purchase order would be made on 10/1/24 and then the vehicles would need to be painted and then outfitted by Dana Safety Supply. Police Chief Jenkins thanked Public Works for procuring the vehicles and getting discounts on the different outfitting packages. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-88 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-89 — COUNTRY CLUB SWIM TRAINING ACTIVITIES AGREEMENT A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Vice Mayor Searcy to adopt Resolution 2024-89 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH NPB AQUATIC GROUP, INC. TO UTILIZE THE COUNTRY CLUB POOL FOR ORGANIZED SWIM TRAINING ACTIVITIES AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE THE AGREEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. General Manager Beth Davis explained that the purpose of the license agreement was for use of the North Palm Beach Country Club Pool Facility to conduct NPB Swim Team training activities. Richard Cavanah and Al Aguirre were both principals of NPB Aquatic Group, Inc. and the Village has had a License Agreement in place with Richard Cavanah since 2019. Ms. Davis stated the swim team/club was the oldest swim team/club in South Florida. Vice Mayor Searcy expressed her excitement that the North Palm Beach Swim Team was the oldest in South Florida. Councilmember Puyol stated that he had swam at a competition in 1963 in the North Palm Beach Country Club swimming pool. Mayor Bickel stated that the North Palm Beach Country Club swim team has been very illustrious and has produced Olympic gold medalists. Mayor Bickel expressed her gratitude for the swimming programs offered by the Village. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-89 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-90 — SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENT SERVICES A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Vice Mayor Searcy to adopt Resolution 2024-90 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING A SECOND AMENDMENT TO THE CONTRACT FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENT SERVICES WITH C.A.P. GOVERNMENT, INC. TO INCREASE THE TOTAL Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 26, 2024 Page 8 of 9 RESOLUTION 2024-90 — SECOND AMENDMENT TO CONTRACT FOR BUILDING DEPARTMENT SERVICES continued AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024 AND AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE SECOND AMENDMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Girard explained that the compensation for Building Department services provided by C.A.P. Government Inc. needed to be increased due to a shortfall of funds available to maintain the services through the end of the fiscal year. The total compensation would be increased from $100,000 to $160,000. Mr. Girard discussed and explained the factors that made it necessary to have the increase. John Samadi, 512 Marline Road expressed his concerns regarding the issues with keeping and retaining employees in the Building Department. Discussion ensued between Councilmember Puyol, Mr. Girard and Mr. Huff regarding the Building Department's status, permitting process and the hiring of a new Building Official. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-90 passed unanimously. Discussion — Business Advisory Board — Filling remaining vacancy and change monthly meeting requirement Mayor Bickel stated that Mr. Tighe who was recently appointed to the Business Advisory Board was no longer able to fulfill the responsibility of membership and resigned. Mayor Bickel asked what Council's choices would be in order to fill the vacancy. Village Clerk Jessica Green explained that two of the applicants tied for last place and would need to be brought back and voted upon. Mayor Bickel asked Mrs. Green to contact the two applicants that tied for last place and find out if they were still interested. Mayor Bickel asked if the Council wanted to change the meeting requirements of the board to on -call versus being required to meet monthly. Councilmember Puyol stated that he met the current and new Business Advisory Board members at their last meeting and that they expressed that they wanted to meet on a monthly basis. Mr. Rubin explained that the latest revisions to the Village code required all of the boards to meet monthly with the exception of the Audit Committee and the Infrastructure Surtax Committee and it was up to Council to decide if they wanted to change the meeting requirements for the Business Advisory Board. Discussion ensued regarding whether to revise the meeting requirements of the Business Advisory Board. Council came to consensus to keep a monthly meeting requirement for the Business Advisory Board. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Mayor Bickel recommended that Council have a discussion or workshop regarding allowing senior living facilities in residential neighborhoods. Mr. Rubin stated that there were statutory requirements related to senior living facilities and he would research and bring back information for a discussion at a future Council meeting. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 26, 2024 Page 9 of 9 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mayor Bickel stated that she has had a number of discussions with fixed income residents who live in the condominiums behind the Brass Ring Pub, and they have expressed that they were having trouble making ends meet. Mayor Bickel stated that although she was not supportive of additional heights within the Village, she would support additional height of two to three stories to those condominiums in order for those residents to have a bigger investment in their property. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that she would be in support of adding height to those condominiums. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding researching into adding height to the condominiums located behind the Brass Ring Pub. President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that approximately forty (40) pounds of trash was picked up at the recent Anchorage Park cleanup. President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that she recently attended a joint meeting of the Environmental Committee and Waterways Board and stated that one of the projects discussed was proposing a community oyster garden. President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that she looked forward to getting involved in the process. Vice Mayor Searcy thanked staff for a successful "Touch a Truck" event. Vice Mayor Searcy also thanked staff for Hurricane Helene storm preparations. Councilmember Garrison announced that she would be taking a vacation the first two weeks of October and would not be in attendance at the October 10th Council meeting. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff also thanked staff for Hurricane Helene storm preparations. Mr. Huff stated that there was a meeting that took place on September 25th where the replacement of the East Alleyway wall was discussed and that approximately twenty-five (25) people attended. Mr. Huff stated that he provided Council with a summary of the meeting. Mr. Huff explained the process that recently took place to hire a new Recreation Director. Mr. Huff announced that Ms. Ashley Shipman was hired as the Village's new Recreation Director. Mr. Huff announced that Julie Morrell would become the new Library Director on October 1st. Mr. Huff stated that the Library power was knocked out by lightning and the power was restored earlier that afternoon, but a lot of IT equipment was taken out and therefore there was currently no Wi-Fi service. Mr. Huff thanked Public Works and the Police Department for their assistance in getting the power restored. President Pro Tem Interlandi thanked staff for assisting in removing the tree that fell on Lighthouse Drive due to the storm. Mayor Bickel asked Mr. Silvani if he wanted to make a public comment. Mr. Silvani expressed concerns regarding issues at Lakeside Park. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Jea Green, MMC, Village Clerk