Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-12-2024 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 12, 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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Mayor Searcy led the public in the Pledge. ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS Mayor Bickel announced the following modification to the agenda: The removal of Item #18 — Resolution — Amendment to Agreement for Anchorage Park Dry Storage Improvements. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Special Session held October 17, 2024 and the Minutes of the Special Session held November 7, 2024 were approved as written. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, expressed concern that two (2) mature and healthy trees were cut down at Anchorage Park and that it brought the total to three (3) healthy and irreplaceable trees that have been cut down at Anchorage Park in less than one (1) year. Ms. Phillips discussed and explained the mission and goals of the Environmental Committee and stated that the mission of the Village should be to preserve the mission of the Environmental Committee. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held December 12, 2024 Page 2 of 9 CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Vice Mayor Searcy moved to approve the Consent Agenda and President Pro Tem Interlandi seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The following items were approved: Resolution approving a Blanket Purchase Order with Commercial Energy Specialists, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $35,000 for the purchase of pool chemicals utilized at the Country Club. Resolution amending the Comprehensive Pay Plan adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to revise the Pay Grade for the position of Head Golf Professional and add three full-time Police Officer positions. Receive for file Minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held 5/7/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Environmental Committee meetings held 8/5/24, 9/4/24 and 10/14/24. Receive for file Minutes of the General Employees Pension Board meeting held 8/6/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Police and Fire Pension Board meeting held 8/13/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board meetings held 9/10/24 and 10/ 1 /24. Receive for file Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Board meetings held 9/10/24 and 10/15/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Waterways Advisory Board meetings held 9/24/24 and 10/22/24. Receive for file Minutes of the Business Advisory Board meeting held 10/15/24. PUBLIC HEARING AND QUASI-JUDICAL MATTERS ORDINANCE 2025-01 - CODE AMENDMENT — CONSTRUCTION SITE STANDARDS A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2025-01 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, "BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS," OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADOPTING A NEW ARTICLE VI, "CONSTRUCTION SITE STANDARDS;" PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin explained that the current Village code did not regulate the obligations of property owners and contractors as they relate to active construction sites within the Village and that the purpose of the ordinance was to propose standards and regulations for active construction sites. The proposed standards and regulations for active construction sites were as follows: • All adjacent rights -of -way shall remain free of waste, trash, and other materials, such as liquid or particulate matter, associated with the construction activity. • All vehicles associated with the construction activity shall be parked on site, and the on - site construction areas must be covered with suitable, compacted materials to prevent dirt and mud from being tracked onto adjacent streets and properties. If the construction site Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held December 12, 2024 Page 3 of 9 ORDINANCE 2025-01 - CODE AMENDMENT — CONSTRUCTION SITE STANDARDS continued cannot accommodate the parking of vehicles, the building official may approve the parking of vehicles on the right-of-way immediately adjacent to the construction site. • All road closures associated with construction activity shall be reviewed and approved by the Public Works Department and the Police Department. • All waste shall be stored on -site within an enclosed containment structure. • All surrounding areas affected by dirt, dust, and debris shall be swept clean each day, and the contractor shall supply an erosion control plan and/or construction screening plan to the Building Official. • Pools under construction shall be kept clean of any debris and sitting water must be properly treated. • When the cutting and finishing of materials that create dust or airborne debris is occurring on site, all debris shall remain on site utilizing wet saws, vacuums, screening, or other effective means. • Sufficient toilet facilities, screened from adjacent rights -of -way and adjoining properties, shall be provided for all workers during the entire construction period. • All construction materials shall be properly secured and fastened upon the issuance of a hurricane or tropical storm warning, including removing or securing roof tiles. • Any vehicle delivering or picking up materials from the construction site shall not obstruct the flow of traffic for more than ten (10) minutes without a flag person present to assist with traffic. • All construction activity shall comply with the permissible construction times (8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays, with no construction activities on Sundays or legal holidays). • All construction signs shall comply with the Village's sign regulations. John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concerns with the proposed ordinance and how it would be enforced. Mayor Bickel paused discussion on the first reading of Ordinance 2025-01 and asked for Mr. Garrido from Hispanic Vote Palm Beach County to make his presentation of an award to Councilmember Puyol. Mr. Garrido introduced himself and explained the history and purpose of Hispanic Vote Palm Beach County. Mr. Garrido stated that their mission was to identify Hispanic leaders who were living the "American Dream" and have become leaders in their communities. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held December 12, 2024 Page 4 of 9 Mr. Garrido introduced Village of Wellington Councilmember Maria Antuna, and Hispanic Vote Palm Beach County Vice Chair Laz Mur. Mr. Garrido explained why Councilmember Puyol was given the Hispanic Leadership Heritage Award. Councilmember Puyol thanked Council and Village staff. Councilmember Puyol gave a brief history of his background and what brought him to this point in his life. Mayor Bickel resumed discussion on the first reading of Ordinance 2025-01. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that during residential construction it was not always possible to screen a toilet facility. Vice Mayor Searcy gave recommendations for screening and location of toilet facilities on residential construction sites. Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff, Mr. Rubin, and Councilmembers regarding the screening and location of toilet facilities on residential construction sites. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that the 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. construction time frame seemed too late in the morning to begin work and too late to end work. Vice Mayor Searcy recommended changing the construction time frame in the code. Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff, Mr. Rubin, and Councilmembers regarding the construction time frame in the code. Mayor Bickel recommended a 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. construction time frame. Mr. Rubin stated that the construction time frame was in Chapter 19 of the Village Code and would need to be brought back for consideration in order to change it. Mr. Rubin stated that he would bring it back to a future meeting for consideration. Vice Mayor Searcy asked if parking on the swale was considered on site. Mr. Rubin stated that the swales were part of the right of way. Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff, Mr. Rubin, and Councilmembers regarding construction site parking regulations. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that it was her understanding that if the Village secures a construction site for an impending hurricane, the Village would charge for the contractor. Mr. Rubin stated that was correct and that the code included that language. Vice Mayor Searcy asked if screening of the entire construction site could be required. Mr. Rubin stated that the Town of Highland Beach required screening of the entire construction site but that the practice had become very cumbersome. Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff, Mr. Rubin, and Councilmembers regarding whether or not to require entire construction sites to be screened. Mayor Bickel recommended that construction sites could be required to be screened at a threshold. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held December 12, 2024 Page 5 of 9 ORDINANCE 2025-01 - CODE AMENDMENT — CONSTRUCTION SITE STANDARDS continued Mr. Rubin stated that he would include language in the code to require screening of a construction site if the improvement was over 50%. Mr. Rubin discussed and explained the enforcement of the code through either the Building Official or a Code Enforcement Officer. Mayor Bickel asked if parking of construction vehicles in the swale overnight was prohibited. Mr. Rubin stated that the Building Official could allow parking in the right of way immediately adjacent to the construction site if they could not park on site. Mayor Bickel stated that overnight parking of construction vehicles in the swale has created issues in the past. Mr. Rubin stated that prohibiting the parking of construction vehicles in the swale overnight could be included in the code. Mr. Rubin stated that he would make all of the recommended revisions to the ordinance and bring it back for second reading at the next scheduled Council meeting. Thereafter, the motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2025-01 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-105 — LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT DESIGN CONTRACT A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2024-105 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING A CONTRACT WITH WGI, INC. FOR DESIGN OF THE LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT AND AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public Works Director Chad Girard explained the purpose of the resolution was to approve a contract with WGI, Inc. for the design of the Lighthouse Bridge Replacement Project. Mr. Girard gave a brief history and background of the proposed project. Mr. Girard explained that after negotiating with WGI, Inc.'s on their initial fee proposal, a final fee proposal in the amount of $639,729.43 was submitted. Mr. Girard stated that the scope of work included comprehensive design services, including primary design, detailed design, environmental assessments, permitting, and support during the bidding process. Lisa Jensen, 606 Shore Road, expressed her concerns regarding the past renderings that were shown for the proposed project. Councilmember Puyol asked if the geotechnical was included or not included. Mr. Girard stated that the geotechnical was included in the pricing. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held December 12, 2024 Page 6 of 9 RESOLUTION 2024-105 — LIGHTHOUSE DRIVE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT DESIGN CONTRACT continued Discussion ensued between Mr. Girard and Councilmembers regarding the next steps in the process and time frame for the design of the bridge. Jerry Pellegrino, 631 Riverside Road, expressed his concerns with large heavy trucks that were over the weight limit and crossing over the Lighthouse Drive Bridge. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-105 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-106 — FISCAL YEAR 2025 BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER FOR SIDEWALK REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT A motion was made by President Pro Tem Interlandi and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2024-106 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING A BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER WITH FLYING SCOT INC. FOR SIDEWALK REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT UTILIZING PRICING ESTABLISHED IN AN EXISTING CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS CONTRACT IN THE AMOUNT OF $75,000; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Field Operations Manager Marc Holloway explained the reason for the purchase order was to continue efforts to repair and improve the public sidewalks throughout the Village. The blanket purchase order was required to come before Council for approval since it exceeded $25,000 for Fiscal Year 2025. The total cost of the purchase order would not exceed $75,000. John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, provided Council a copy of a letter he had written to Public Works Director Chad Girard. Mr. Samadi expressed his concerns with the sidewalk removals and repairs that the Village has done over the past few years. Councilmember Puyol discussed and explained the different types of repairs that could be done to the sidewalks. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Holloway regarding the types of repairs that were done to Village sidewalks and the requirements that must be met for ADA compliance. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-106 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-107 — FISCAL YEAR 2025 BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER FOR TIRES PURCHASE A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Vice Mayor Searcy to adopt Resolution 2024-107 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING A FISCAL YEAR 2025 BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER WITH TIRE SOLES OF BROWARD, INC. IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $75,000 FOR THE PURCHASE OF TIRES FOR VILLAGE VEHICLES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DA I'L. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held December 12, 2024 Page 7 of 9 RESOLUTION 2024-107 — FISCAL YEAR 2025 BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER FOR TIRES PURCHASE continued Mr. Girard explained that the blanket purchase order for tires for various Village vehicles needed to be increased. Vice Mayor Searcy asked how often the tires on police vehicles were replaced and oil changes were done. Discussion ensued between Mr. Girard, Chief Jenkins and Councilmembers regarding the timing of oil changes and tire replacements for Village vehicles. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-107 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-108 — FISCAL YEAR 2025 BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER FOR MISCELLANEOUS LANDSCAPING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES A motion was made by Councilmember Garrison and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2024-108 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING A FISCAL YEAR 2025 BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER WITH PRECISION LANDSCAPE COMPANY OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, INC. IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $100,000.00 FOR MISCELLANEOUS LANDSCAPING AND GROUNDS MAINTENANCE SERVICES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Holloway explained that staff was requesting a blanket purchase order in the amount of $100,000 for miscellaneous landscaping and grounds maintenance projects as various departments reach out to Precision Landscape Company of Palm Beach County, Inc. for additional projects throughout the year as the need arises. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-108 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-109 — FISCAL YEAR 2025 BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER FOR SPORTS FIELD MIX AND SAND FOR THE COUNTRY CLUB A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2024-109 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING A BLANKET PURCHASE ORDER WITH FLORIDA SUPERIOR SAND, INC. FOR THE PURCHASE OF 50/50 SPORTS FIELD MIX AND TOP DRESSING 180 SAND FOR THE NORTH PALM BEACH COUNTRY CLUB IN THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $60,000; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Head Golf Professional Allan Bowman explained that staff was requesting the blanket purchase order to Florida Superior Sand, Inc. for the purchase of 50/50 sports field mix and Top Dressing 180 sand for the Country Club golf course. The purchase order would cover various summer projects that would include pond bank stabilization and repair work across the golf course. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-109 passed unanimously. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held December 12, 2024 Page 8 of 9 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Mayor Bickel announced that the Village received the GFOA Distinguished Budget Award for Fiscal Year 2025. Deputy Village Manager Samia Janjua stated that the Village received the highest recognized national award for its FY 2025 budget. Council congratulated Mrs. Janjua and the Finance Department for their hard work on the budget. Councilmember Garrison stated that she enjoyed all of the wonderful events at the Village during the holidays. Councilmember Garrison stated that she and Village Manager Huff attended the Boat Parade Awards Ceremony and that the Village was given an award recognizing their contributions. Councilmember Garrison showed the award which was a bucket that had boat cleaning supplies and other miscellaneous items for the Village to utilize. Vice Mayor Searcy congratulated Mayor Bickel and Councilmember Garrison for being re-elected to Council without opposition. Vice Mayor Searcy also commended staff for their hard work on preparing holiday events and working to keep the Village in working order during the holidays. President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that she received the "Westside Waves" newsletter which gave information on events on the west side of the community. President Pro Tem Interlandi encouraged those on the west side to participate in the holiday lighting contest. President Pro Tem Interlandi stated that she received an anonymous letter from a concerned resident and encouraged residents to reach out to Council to communicate concerns and to provide contact information so that Council can respond. Mayor Bickel agreed with President Pro Tem Interlandi and asked that residents please provide contact information when reaching out to Council so that a response can be made. Mayor Bickel stated that she does not share information of who contacts her with complaints or concerns. President Pro Tem Interlandi wished everyone a Happy Holiday, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah and Happy New Year. Councilmember Puyol discussed information regarding proposed changes to personal property taxes and other topics that were discussed by the Florida League of Cities Taxation Committee at the last meeting he attended. Councilmember Puyol discussed information that was discussed at the last Palm Beach County League of Cities Meeting that was presented by Palm Beach County Mayor Maria Marino regarding traffic initiatives and plans. Councilmember Puyol announced that at the same Palm Beach County League of Cities meeting, the Village received an Honorable Mention Certificate for the Read for the Record event and presented it to Council. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff commended Village employee Ray Zamora for his due diligence and quick thinking in identifying smoke coming for his sanitation truck and bringing back the truck to Public Works so that the Fire Department could put out the fire. Mr. Huff discussed and explained that the Village acquired possession of 713 Westwind Drive through foreclosure actions that were undertaken by the Village. Mr. Huff stated that the house would be demolished and asked Council for direction on what they would like to do with the property. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held December 12, 2024 Page 9 of 9 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS continued Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff, Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding the Village's options for the property. Council came to consensus to demolish the house at 713 Westwind Drive and to keep it a vacant lot until Council decides at a later date what to do with the property. Discussion — Revisions to Accounting Policies and Procedures — Purchasing Thresholds Mr. Huff provided a handout to Council that included a comparison of purchasing thresholds of other municipalities within Palm Beach County, a list of purchasing tasks for items over $50,000 and information about the piggyback contract process. Mrs. Janjua explained that due to current economic conditions and because of improved processing throughout Village departments, the Village purchasing thresholds needed to be updated. Inflation rates have significantly increased the cost of goods and services and many routine items were surpassing the thresholds and needed to come before Council for approval. Mr. Girard discussed and explained the Public Works Department's processes for purchasing and how there were delays and inefficiencies due to the purchasing thresholds. Mr. Huff explained the current purchasing thresholds and what the Village was proposing for new purchasing thresholds. Mr. Huff and Mrs. Janjua asked Council for direction on the newly proposed purchasing thresholds. Questions and answers ensued between Councilmembers, Mr. Rubin, Mr. Huff and Mrs. Janjua regarding the proposed purchasing thresholds. Mayor Bickel recommended more time for Council to look over the documentation and asked that staff bring back a resolution for consideration at the next Council meeting. Mr. Huff wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday. Mr. Huff thanked Council for their support and thanked staff for doing a great job. Mr. Huff also thanked and commended the residents of the Village. Mayor Bickel wished everyone a Happy Holiday. ADJOURNMENT There being no her business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 p.m. Jes•ic. Green, MMC, Village Clerk