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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-13-2025 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA MARCH 13, 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. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held February 13, 2025 were approved as written. COUNCIL BUSINESS MATTERS ADMINISTRATION OF INTERIM COUNCILMEMBER OATHS Village Clerk Jessica Green administered the Oath of Office to re-elected councilmembers Susan Bickel and Kristin Garrison. Said Oaths are attached to the official Minutes of Record. COUNCIL REORGANIZATION Mayor Bickel stated that it had been a pleasure to serve the Village as Mayor and thanked everyone for their help and support. Mayor Bickel opened the floor to nominations for the office of Mayor. Kristin Garrison nominated Deborah Searcy for Mayor. With no other nominations for Mayor, Deborah Searcy was declared Mayor. Susan Bickel nominated Lisa Interlandi for Vice Mayor. With no other nominations for Vice Mayor, Lisa Interlandi was declared Vice Mayor. Lisa Interlandi nominated Kristin Garrison for President Pro Tem. With no other nominations for President Pro Tem, Kristin Garrison was declared President Pro Tem. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 13, 2025 Page 2 of 7 COUNCIL REORGANIZATION continued Thereafter, the names of Deborah Searcy, Lisa Interlandi and Kristin Garrison were entered into Resolution 2025-10. RESOLUTION 2025-10 — APPOINTING COUNCIL OFFICERS A motion was made by Councilmember Garrison and seconded by Vice Mayor Searcy to adopt Resolution 2025-10 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 2025-10 passed unanimously. Village Clerk Jessica Green administered the Oath of Office to Mayor Searcy, Vice Mayor Interlandi, and President Pro Tem Garrison. Said Oaths are attached to the official Minutes of Record. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive announced Saint Patrick's Day adults only bingo at the Library. Ms. Phillips thanked the sponsors of the event. CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Councilmember Bickel moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Vice Mayor Interlandi seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The following items were approved: Resolution amending the Comprehensive Pay Plan adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to reclassify the Full -Time Parks Supervisor position to the Full -Time Recreation Supervisor position, add One Full -Time Communications Specialist position and remove one Full -Time Fire Inspector position; Reclassify the Pay Grade of the Full -Time Facilities Manager position, reclassify the Full -Time Building Official position to a Full -Time Building Director position and eliminate the Community Development Director position. Receive for file Minutes of the Golf Advisory Board meeting held 1/13/25. Receive for file Minutes of the Waterways Board meeting held 1/28/25. Receive for file Minutes of the Environmental Committee meeting held 2/10/25. ORDINANCE 2025-06 - CODE AMENDMENT — COUNTRY CLUB A motion was made by Vice Mayor Interlandi and seconded by Councilmember Bickel to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2025-06 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 9, "COUNTRY CLUB," OF THE VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY AMENDING SECTIONS 9-1 AND 9-2 OF ARTICLE I, "IN GENERAL," TO UPDATE THE GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO THE NORTH PALM BEACH COUNTRY CLUB AND THE ENFORCEMENT THEREOF; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 13, 2025 Page 3 of 7 ORDINANCE 2025-06 - CODE AMENDMENT — COUNTRY CLUB continued Mr. Huff clarified that the ordinance was not prohibiting golf carts driving to and from the Country Club. Mr. Huff discussed and explained the purpose of the proposed ordinance stating that there were damages on the golf course and the proposed ordinance would allow police to enforce the rules of prohibiting motorized vehicles, electric bikes, and bicycles from driving on the golf course. The proposed ordinance would update and clarify the general rules and regulations, including operating hours and prohibitions applicable to the North Palm Beach Country Club facilities and provide for enforcement. Ryan Kadyszewski, 501 Overlook Drive expressed his concerns regarding the proposed ordinance. Brent Keller, 2562 Pepperwood Circle N, expressed his concerns regarding the proposed ordinance. Mayor Bickel asked Mr. Rubin if the proposed ordinance prohibited privately owned golf carts from driving on the golf course or the pathways to and from the Country Club. Mr. Rubin stated that privately owned golf carts would be prohibited from driving on the golf course grass. Mayor Bickel asked if the privately owned golf carts could drive on the golf course pathways. Mr. Rubin stated that he believed that the privately owned golf carts could not drive on the golf course pathways but that staff would need to answer that question. Mr. Huff explained that there was a circle pathway off of Greenway Drive that goes up to the Country Club Clubhouse that can be utilized by privately owned golf carts. Privately owned golf carts are allowed to take pathways to the clubhouse and all amenities surrounding the clubhouse such as pool and tennis. The privately owned golf carts are also allowed on the golf course during specific sanctioned events at the Country Club. The intent of the proposed ordinance was to prevent the golf course greens from getting damaged. Mr. Rubin stated that the ordinance prohibits anyone from being physically present on the golf course from sunset to sunrise. Mr. Rubin stated that if that was not the intent, then that portion of the ordinance would need to be revised. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the intent of the propose ordinance. Mr. Rubin discussed and explained the revisions in the proposed ordinance. Discussion continued between Councilmembers. Head Golf Professional Allan Bowman clarified and explained that the intent of the proposed ordinance was to prevent damages, vandalism and potential injuries to golf cart drivers on the golf course. Mayor Searcy stated that it appeared that everyone was in favor of restricting all motorized vehicles from leaving the cart paths around the golf course in order to protect residents and the golf course. Councilmember Bickel asked if walkers could be allowed to walk the course one (1) hour after sunset. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 13, 2025 Page 4 of 7 ORDINANCE 2025-06 - CODE AMENDMENT — COUNTRY CLUB continued Discussion continued between Councilmembers, Mr. Bowman, Mr. Huff and Police Chief Robert Coliskey regarding the proposed ordinance. Councilmember Bickel recommended tabling the proposed ordinance in order to address the concerns and recommendations by Council. Discussion continued. Mr. Rubin clarified that Council was recommending that the loop and pathways that the motorized vehicles could utilize must be identified in the ordinance as well keeping the hours of access to the golf course at an hour before sunrise and an hour after sunset. Council agreed with Mr. Rubin's assessment of their recommendations. Councilmember Bickel stated that bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, stroller, carriage, or wagon should also be allowed to use the designated loop and pathways. Vice Mayor Interlandi stated that motorized scooters, electric bicycles or personal golf carts should also be included in the list of motorized vehicles and other equipment that would be allowed to use the designated loop and pathways. Councilmember Bickel asked if the scooters and e-bikes should be restricted to adult only operators during the hours of access to the golf course. Discussion ensued between Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding restrictions for scooters and e-bikes. Mr. Rubin stated that he would make the recommended revisions to the ordinance and bring it back for 2'd reading at the next Council meeting. Thereafter, the motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2025-06 passed unanimously. Councilmember Bickel stated that she would support more funding towards additional cameras on the golf course. Mayor Searcy recommended putting the completion of the golf cart path higher on the priority list. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Bowman regarding the completion of the golf cart path and additional cameras. RESOLUTION 2025-12 — ACCEPTANCE OF FY 2024 AUDIT REPORT A motion was made by Vice Mayor Interlandi and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2025-12 entitled: Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 13, 2025 Page 5 of 7 RESOLUTION 2025-12 — ACCEPTANCE OF FY 2024 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, 2024 AND AUTHORIZING ITS FILING WITH THE STATE; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Deputy Village Manager Samia Janjua recognized Erica Ramirez, Finance Director. Mrs. Janjua stated that she appreciated Mrs. Ramirez's hard work and dedication toward completing her first audit. Mrs. Janjua introduced Mr. Terry Norton who would present the 2024 Audit Report. Terry Norton of Nowlen, Holt & Miner, reviewed the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024. Council expressed their appreciation to the Finance Department for their hard work and dedication. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mrs. Janjua regarding the Audit Report and the upcoming Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-12 passed unanimously. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Councilmember Puyol thanked Mr. Huff and the Code Compliance Department for enforcing the screening requirement at Corsair Drive. Councilmember Puyol asked for clarification of the letter that was sent to staff regarding the docks on the south side. Mr. Huff stated that the buoys underneath the docks were not safe and needed to be replaced. Mr. Huff stated that they would all eventually be replaced. President Pro Tem Garrison stated that she would not be able to physically attend the Council meeting on April 10th because she has to travel to North Carolina to care for her mother. President Pro Tem Garrison stated that she was willing to virtually attend if possible. Mayor Searcy announced that the Village's Boards and Committees had membership openings and encouraged residents to apply. Mayor Searcy announced the annual Heritage Day Festival taking place on April 5th with a morning parade to kick off the event and a golf cart parade on April 4th. Mayor Searcy encouraged participation in the parades. Mayor Searcy asked for an update on the construction on the U.S. Highway 1 Bridge and the proposed construction of the Lighthouse Drive Bridge. Mr. Huff stated that the Lighthouse Drive Bridge would not be started for approximately two (2) years and not occur until after the completion of the U.S. Highway 1 Bridge, and would also not occur at the same time of the construction of the Prosperity Farms Road Bridge. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 13, 2025 Page 6 of 7 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mr. Huff discussed and explained the traffic issues that have occurred with the U.S. Highway 1 Bridge and the solutions that he and Police Chief Coliskey have been working on to address the issues. Discussion between Councilmembers and Mr. Huff ensued regarding traffic and large trucks going over the Lighthouse Drive Bridge and the traffic issues on the U.S. Highway 1 Bridge. Mayor Searcy asked for clarification on what the meeting for the Lighthouse Drive Bridge would be about. Mr. Huff stated that the meeting would be the first of many public meetings with the engineering firm that was contracted to design the bridge. The meetings would be about the design of the bridge only and not the construction. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff stated that he received consensus from all of the staff liaisons for the Village's Advisory Boards and Committees regarding the scheduling of their meetings. Consensus was to have the Business Advisory Board, Country Club Advisory Board, General Employees' Pension Board, Library Board, Police and Fire Pension Board and the Waterways Board meet quarterly. The Environmental Committee, Recreation Advisory Board and Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board would remain meeting monthly and the Audit Committee would remain on -call. The Infrastructure Surtax Committee will sunset in December of 2025 and the members can remain on the board up until that time. Vice Mayor Interlandi recommended that the boards and committees develop their own work plan to determine their goals and identify how frequently they need to meet. Mayor Searcy expressed concern with some of the boards and committees meeting quarterly. Councilmember Bickel explained that the quarterly meetings would be a minimum requirement and that they could schedule extra meetings if necessary. Mayor Searcy recommended that the absence policy be changed due to some of the boards meeting quarterly. Discussion ensued regarding how many absences would be allowed for boards and committees. Council came to consensus to change the absence policy to reflect that members cannot be absent for more than two (2) meetings per year for the boards or committees that meet monthly, quarterly or on -call. Councilmember Bickel asked that if certain members of the Waterways Board who have exceeded their number of absences for the year would be waived from removal from the board since the meetings would now be quarterly. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held March 13, 2025 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS continued Council agreed to waive the absences. Page 7 of 7 Mr. Huff asked Mr. Rubin if he would be bringing back an ordinance for consideration to make the changes for the boards and committees meeting requirements. Mr. Rubin stated that a proposed ordinance would come back to the next meeting which will address the boards and committees meeting requirements, add an anti -nepotism clause and require that boards and committees periodically bring reports to Council at Council meetings. President Pro Tem Interlandi announced that there would be a public outreach meeting regarding the findings of the Vulnerability Assessment study on April 2nd ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:23 p.m. Jessica reen, MMC, Village Clerk OATH OF OFFICE State of Florida County of Palm Beach Village of North Palm Beach ss. I, Susan Bickel, 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 13th day of March, 2025, by Susan Bickel, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm# HH483482 Expire. 3/7/2028 J. Green Notary P'ttl fc — 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 Councilmember on which I am now about to enter, so help me God. Sworn to and subscribed before me this lath day of March, 2025, by Kristin Garrison, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Commis HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 ica J. Green Notary Ptrlic — 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, 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 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 13th day of March, 2025, by Deborah Searcy, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 Jes 'ca Green otary Public — 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 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 13th day of March, 2025, by Lisa Interlandi, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm* HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 Jessic een 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, Kristin Garrison, 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 13th day of March, 2025, by Kristin Garrison, who is personally known to me. JESSICA J. GREEN Notary Public State of Florida Comm# HH483482 Expires 3/7/2028 Jessica . reen N ary Public ate of Florida y Commission xpires 3/7/2028 Commission #HH483482