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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-27-2025 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 27, 2025 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. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Mayor Bickel presented a Business of the Season (spring) award to Lott Brothers, Inc. Rob Rennebaum expressed his appreciation for the Lott brothers and Lott Brothers, Inc. Mr. Atwater expressed his appreciation for the Lott brothers and Lott Brothers, Inc. George and John Lott accepted their award and thanked Council. Mayor Bickel read a proclamation for Let's Move Palm Beach County Month. Ms. Deborah Feinsinger, Director of Community Relations accepted the proclamation and thanked Council. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held January 9, 2025 were approved as written. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concerns regarding the time taken to discuss certain agenda items and recommended that more time be spent discussing certain items. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 27, 2025 Page 2 of 7 STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC continued Kendra Zellner on behalf of the Environmental Committee expressed her strong support of the Environmental Committee and discussed the accomplishments of the Environmental Committee. Ms. Zellner thanked Mr. Holloway for his support and work as the Environmental Committee's staff liaison. Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, stated that it was great to be a part of the Environmental Committee and gave an update on the Oyster Garden Event. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Councilmember Garrison moved to approve the Consent Agenda and Councilmember Puyol seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The following items were approved: Resolution approving a Third Amendment to the Contract for Building Department Services with C.A.P. Government, Inc. to increase the total amount of compensation for Fiscal Year 2025 from $50,000 to $150,000 and authorizing the Village Manager to execute the Third Amendment. Receive for file Minutes of the Business Advisory Board meeting held 1/21/25. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND QUASI-JUDICAL MATTERS PUBLIC HEARING AND 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-03- CODE AMENDMENT - PERMISSIBLE TIME FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2025-03 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING ARTICLE VI, "NOISE CONTROL," OF CHAPTER 19, "OFFENSES AND MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS," OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING SECTION 19-104, "PERMISSIBLE TIME FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY," TO MODIFY THE PERMISSIBLE HOURS FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY AND THE USE OF POWER -DRIVEN MACHINERY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin explained that per Council's instructions, the ordinance was modified since its adoption on first reading. The revision would change the construction hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday to 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. No construction activity creating unreasonable noise would be permitted on Sundays and legal holidays without a permit. The permissible times for power -driven machinery and equipment, including power mowers, was changed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays to 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. Mayor Bickel opened the public hearing. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Bickel closed the public hearing. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 27, 2025 Page 3 of 7 PUBLIC HEARING AND 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-03- CODE AMENDMENT - PERMISSIBLE TIME FOR CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY continued Mayor Bickel stated that she was unsure about the change to cut off power -driven tools at 5:30 p.m. since it includes mowers and would restrict residents from mowing their lawns after work or other times that were necessary. Vice Mayor Searcy stated that mowing lawns should not be restricted to end at 5:30 p.m. Discussion ensued between Mr. Rubin, Mr. Huff and Councilmembers regarding the proposed cut off time of 5:30 p.m. for power -driven tools. A motion was made by Vice Mayor Searcy and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to amend the permissible times for power -driven machinery and equipment, including power mowers, to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays. Thereafter the motion to amend Ordinance 2025-03 passed unanimously. Thereafter, the motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2025-03 as amended passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING AND 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-04 - CODE AMENDMENT - PENSION AND CERTAIN OTHER BENEFITS FOR FIRE AND POLICE EMPLOYEES A motion was made by President Pro Tem Interlandi and seconded by Vice Mayor Searcy to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2025-04 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA AMENDING DIVISION 4, "PENSION AND CERTAIN OTHER BENEFITS FOR FIRE AND POLICE EMPLOYEES," OF ARTICLE V, "PENSIONS AND RETIREMENTS SYSTEMS," OF CHAPTER 2, "ADMINISTRATION," OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO IMPLEMENT CHANGES TO RETIREMENT BENEFITS RESULTING FROM COLLECTIVE BARGAINING WITH THE UNION REPRESENTING THE VILLAGE'S FIREFIGHTER EMPLOYEES (IAFF); PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENTS AFFECTING THE CALCULATION OF FIREFIGHTER EMPLOYEES' RETIREMENT BENEFITS WHEN THEY BECOME ELIGIBLE FOR SAME; INCREASING EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION RATES; CLARIFYING THE ENTRY WINDOW FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE DEFERRED RETIREMENT OPTION PLAN (DROP); APPLYING THE USE OF INSURANCE PREMIUM TAX REVENUE TO THE VILLAGE ANNUAL RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTION; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin discussed and explained the purpose of the proposed ordinance. Mr. Rubin stated that the following amendments would be made to the Pension and Certain Other Benefits for Fire Police Employees of the Village Code of Ordinances: • Changed the normal retirement age to 52 years of age or 25 years of credited service (in lieu of 55 years and 25 years of credited service). • Increased the benefit accrual rate to 3 percent for all years of credited service on or after October 1, 2021. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 27, 2025 Page 4 of 7 PUBLIC HEARING AND 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-04 - CODE AMENDMENT - PENSION AND CERTAIN OTHER BENEFITS FOR FIRE AND POLICE EMPLOYEES continued • A new Section 2-161.1 was included to add a firefighter health insurance supplement equal to $15.00 per year of credited service. • Increase the employee contribution from 8.5% to 11% effective the first payroll after March 31, 2025. • Amended to provide that effective April 1, 2025, an employee may elect to participate in the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) by the late of: (1) 30 days after reaching their latest normal retirement date; or (2) 90 days after April 1, 2025. Mayor Bickel opened the public hearing. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Bickel closed the public hearing. Thereafter, the motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2025-04 passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARING AND 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-05 - CODE AMENDMENT - GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT A motion was made by Councilmember Garrison and seconded by President Pro Tem Interlandi to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2025-05 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE ADOPTED GENERAL FUND BUDGET TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR THE PURCHASE OF REAL PROPERTY FOR A NEW PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FACILITY; TRANSFERRING $1,065,000 FROM THE UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE TO THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND PUBLIC WORKS LAND ACQUISITION CAPITAL ACCOUNT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin discussed and explained that the ordinance was necessary to amend the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget by transferring the funds from the Unassigned Fund Balance to the Capital Projects Fund to fund the purchase of the property located at 9555 Old Dixie Highway. Mayor Bickel opened the public hearing. There being no comments from the public, Mayor Bickel closed the public hearing. Councilmember Puyol asked Deputy Village Manager Samia Janjua to clarify which fund balance was being utilized for the purchase of the property at 9555 Old Dixie Highway. Discussion ensued between Councilmember Puyol and Mrs. Janjua regarding the Village's Unassigned Fund Balances for the current and prior fiscal years. Mr. Huff explained that the Unassigned Fund Balance could not be used for operating expenses but only for capital purchases. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 27, 2025 Page 5 of 7 PUBLIC HEARING AND 2ND READING OF ORDINANCE 2025-05 - CODE AMENDMENT - GENERAL FUND BUDGET AMENDMENT continued Mayor Bickel stated that the purchase of the property gave the Village the opportunity to utilize the property for something that is environmentally friendly and sustainable using the latest technology. Discussion continued regarding the purchase of the property and the opportunities it would present. Mr. Huff clarified that only the purchase of the property was taking place and not a new Public Works Facility. The property would be considered as a future site for a new Public Works Facility. Thereafter, the motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2025-05 passed unanimously. OTHER VILLAGE BUSINESS MATTERS RESOLUTION 2025-08 DECLARING VARIOUS COUN I'RY CLUB EQUIPMENT AS SURPLUS A motion was made by President Pro Tem Interlandi and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2025-08 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, DECLARING EQUIPMENT FROM FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPERATIONS AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZING ITS DISPOSAL: AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Country Club General Manager Beth Davis explained that the purpose of the resolution was to dispose of equipment and furniture at the Country Club that would not be utilized by the new restaurant operator. Vice Mayor Searcy asked if it were possible for residents to purchase the equipment or furniture. Mr. Huff stated that the equipment and furniture could be purchased by residents through GovDeals. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-08 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2025-09 PUBLIC RECORDS EXEMPTION FOR MUNICIPAL CLERKS A motion was made by Councilmember Garrison and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2025-08 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, URGING THE FLORIDA STATE LEGISLATURE TO ENACT LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE A PUBLIC RECORDS EXEMPTION FOR MUNICIPAL CLERKS AND EMPLOYEES WHO PERFORM MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS WORK OR HAVE ANY PART IN THE CODE ENFORCEMENT FUNCTIONS OF A MUNICIPALITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 27, 2025 Page 6 of 7 RESOLUTION 2025-09 PUBLIC RECORDS EXEMPTION FOR MUNICIPAL CLERKS continued Village Clerk Jessica Green stated that the Florida Association of City Clerks was requesting that municipalities in the State of Florida adopt a resolution urging the Florida State Legislature to provide a public records exemption for the personal information of current municipal clerks and employees who perform municipal elections work or code enforcement functions. Municipal Clerks administer elections and election workers have been targeted with threats due to the nature of materials for which they are responsible. There were currently twenty-seven (27) public records exemptions for specific government roles, one of which applies to code enforcement officers. Mrs. Green requested that Council adopt the resolution urging the Florida State Legislature to add Municipal Clerks to the list of public records exemptions. Deborah Cross, 2560 Pepperwood Circle, S stated that Village staff should be protected and expressed her support for adopting the resolution. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers, Mrs. Green, and Mr. Rubin regarding public records exemptions. Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-09 passed unanimously. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Councilmember Garrison announced that the Conservatory School would be celebrating their 10th anniversary. Councilmember Garrison stated that residents should be proud of having the Conservatory School in their community. Councilmember Puyol expressed his concerns with the MyGovernmentOnline system utilized by the Community Development Department explaining that there was a certain construction site on Corsair Drive that still did not have screening. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff addressed Mr. Puyol's concerns and stated that the Village gives residents reasonable time to correct code violations. Mr. Huff introduced Liz Soulen, General Manager of the Lessing Group to speak about the Country Club Restaurant and answer questions. Ms. Soulen gave an update on the restaurant operations at the Country Club. Ms. Soulen reviewed the menu options and items that were currently offered at the Country Club. Ms. Soulen explained and discussed menu pricing. Ms. Soulen concluded with announcing upcoming events at the Country Club and hours of operation. Discussion ensued between Ms. Soulen and Councilmember Puyol regarding menu offerings and the history and current status of the Snack Shack at the Country Club. Mr. Huff introduced the Olivia Glowala as the newest addition to the Village's Communications Department. Mr. Huff explained Ms. Glowala implemented the community engagement software that was discussed last year. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held February 27, 2025 Page 7 of 7 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS continued Ms. Glowala introduced herself and stated that ZenCity also known as "The Village Hub" was a new software platform for sharing the latest information on Village projects and events with residents. Ms. Glowala gave a presentation that demonstrated the new platform that is located on the Village's website. Ms. Glowala gave statistics of views and shares over the past week. Councilmembers gave feedback and suggestions for "The Village Hub." ADJOURNMENT There being no ther business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:1 5 p.m. JesGreen, MMC, Village Clerk