HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-24-2025 VC REG-MPresent:
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION
VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA
JULY 24, 2025
Deborah Searcy, Mayor
Kristin Garrison, President Pro Tem
Susan Bickel, Councilmember
Orlando Puyol, Councilmember
Chuck Huff, Village Manager
Len Rubin, Village Attorney
Jessica Green, Village Clerk
Absent: Lisa Interlandi, Vice Mayor
ROLL CALL
Mayor Searcy called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members of Council were present
except for Vice Mayor Interlandi who was out of town. All members of staff were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
President Pro Tem Garrison led the public in the Pledge.
ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
Mayor Searcy announced the removal of Item #12 — Presentation EAR based Comprehensive Plan
Amendments stating that it was postponed to the August 14th Council Meeting, and that Item #15
— Discussion — Budget Workshop dates and times will be discussed under Item #11 — Resolution
— FY 2025-2026 Tentative Millage Rate.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The Minutes of the Special Session held June 26, 2025, the Minutes of the Regular Session held
June 26, 2025 and the Minutes of the Regular Session held July 10, 2025 were approved as written.
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Rd. S, expressed his concerns regarding the Country Club budget and
enterprise fund, and the recent adoption of a Public Participation and Rules procedure.
John Samadi, 512 Marlin Rd., expressed his concerns regarding the recent adoption of a Public
Participation and Rules procedure.
Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 24, 2025 Page 2 of 7
STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC continued
Robert Baricevich, 704 Jacana Way, expressed his concerns regarding the condition and
appearance of 635 Westwind Drive.
Councilmember Puyol addressed the concerns regarding 635 Westwind Drive stating that there
was a due process that takes time to remedy the situation.
Councilmember Puyol addressed the concerns regarding the Country Club Wash Plant stating that
it was a necessity in order to protect the environment.
CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED
Councilmember Puyol moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Bickel seconded
the motion, which passed with all present voting aye. The following items were approved:
Resolution approving a Fourth Amendment to the Interlocal Agreement to establish the
Municipal Public Safety Communications Consortium of Palm Beach County and
authorizing execution of the Fourth Amendment.
Resolutions — approving three (3) separate Resolutions required by Huntington National
Bank for the Lease of 80 GPS Equipped Lithium Golf Carts, a Utility Hauler, a Shuttle,
and a Beverage Cart for the North Palm Beach Country Club.
Receive for file Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Board meetings held 5/13/25 and 6/10/25.
Receive for file Minutes of the Audit Committee meeting held 5/14/25.
Receive for file Minutes of the Business Advisory Board meeting held 5/20/25.
Receive for file Minutes of the Environmental Committee meeting held 6/2/25.
ORDINANCE 2025-12 - CODE AMENDMENT — TREE PRESERVATION
A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt
on first reading Ordinance 2025-12 entitled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM
BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX C (CHAPTER 45), "ZONING," OF THE
VILLAGE CODE OF ORDINANCES BY ADOPTING A NEW ARTICLE IX, "TREE
PRESERVATION;" PROVIDING FOR THE PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING
FOR DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, ISSUANCE, FEES, AND
EXEMPTIONS; PROVIDING FOR PRESERVATION AND MITIGATION REQUIREMENTS;
PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES; PROVIDING FOR A TREE TRUST
FUND; PROVIDING FOR APPEALS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR
SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DA l E.
Mr. Rubin explained that the purpose of the ordinance was to amend the Village Code related to
tree preservation and provide for a tree removal permit process. The proposed Ordinance
would amend the Village's Zoning Code and would seek to protect identified native trees and
swale trees throughout the Village. The proposed ordinance would require a tree removal permit
for protected trees defined as native trees of type and size identified in Section 45-103 and swale trees.
Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 24, 2025 Page 3 of 7
ORDINANCE 2025-12 - CODE AMENDMENT — TREE PRESERVATION continued
Mr. Rubin reviewed and explained the provisions and requirements in the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Rubin explained that based on concerns from Council, the term "fruit tree" was defined as "a
tree that provides fruit for human consumption" and a new Section 45-113, "Appeals," was added
to provide that any person who has been adversely affected by any decision rendered or
requirement imposed by the Village in the enforcement and administration of this article shall
utilize the administrative appeal provisions of Section 45-52." Section 45-52 already establishes
the process and procedure by which the Planning, Zoning and Adjustment board hears appeals of
administrative decisions.
Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S., expressed his concerns regarding the proposed tree preservation
ordinance and asked that Council not adopt the ordinance.
Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, thanked Council, Mr. Rubin and Mr. Huff for bringing forward
a proposed ordinance for tree preservation and expressed her support for adopting the ordinance
on first reading.
Councilmember Puyol clarified the reasons for the proposed tree preservation ordinance and gave
examples and instances where trees should be protected and not removed.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the proposed tree preservation ordinance.
Mayor Searcy asked that the tree removal permit process be made a fairly quick and easy process
as well as inexpensive.
Mr. Rubin stated that the permit process would be addressed at the second reading of the ordinance
with a resolution establishing the permitting fees.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding how to obtain an arborist.
Thereafter, the motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2025-12 passed with all present voting aye.
RESOLUTION 2025-33 ESTABLISHING A TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE FOR FY 2025-2026
AND SETTING THE 1 ST PUBLIC HEARING
A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Bickel to adopt
Resolution 2025-33 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM
BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING A TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE OF 7.4000 MILS FOR
FISCAL YEAR 2026; ESTABLISHING A DATE, TIME, AND PLACE FOR THE FIRST
HEARING ON THE TENTATIVE BUDGET AND PROPOSED MILLAGE RATE;
AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE REQUIRED FORMS TO THE
PALM BEACH COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Mr. Huff began a presentation on the Manager's Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2026. Mr. Huff
reviewed the agenda related to the presentation. Mr. Huff then passed the presentation to Deputy
Village Manager Samia Janjua.
Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 24, 2025 Page 4 of 7
RESOLUTION 2025-33 ESTABLISHING A TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE FOR FY 2025-2026
AND SETTING THE 1ST PUBLIC HEARING continued
Mrs. Janjua discussed and explained Fund Accounting which included Enterprise Funds and the
General Fund, Budget Categories which included Personnel, Transfers, Operating, Capital Outlay,
Debt Service and Contingency. Mrs. Janjua reviewed how the Village's taxable value increase
compared to other municipalities within Palm Beach County and stated that the Village has one of
the lowest taxable value increases. Mrs. Janjua reviewed and explained the Fiscal Year 2026
Budget Highlights stating that the proposed budget was based on maintaining the current millage
rate of 7.04 mils.
Mrs. Janjua continued by reviewing a Budget Summary of all funds, Personnel Cost Assumptions,
General Fund Revenues and Expenses. Proposed Total Budget Revenues were $39,994,910 and
Proposed Total Expenditures were $39,994,910. Mrs. Janjua reviewed the General Fund Expenses
by Category. Mrs. Janjua began explaining and reviewing the Country Club Revenues and
Expenses stating that the total proposed budget of the Country Club was $9,290,945. Total Budget
Revenues would be $9,290,945 and Total Budget Expenses would be $9,290,945.
Mrs. Janjua reviewed and discussed the history and budget of the Stormwater Utility Fund,
reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan stating the total five (5) year CIP for FY 2026 was
$44,617,438 and reviewed the CIP Projects. Mrs. Janjua reviewed and explained a Municipal
Services Comparison indicating Base Millages for various municipalities and what services they
provide for their millage rates.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the Municipal Services Comparison
indicating Base Millages for various municipalities and what services they provide for their
millage rates.
Mrs. Janjua reviewed the FY 2025 Millage Selection Options stating the Manager's Proposed rate
was $7.4000 mils which would require a 2/3 vote. The proposed millage rate was the same as the
Village's current millage rate.
Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Rd. S., expressed his concerns regarding the Village's proposed millage rate.
John Samadi, 512 Marlin Road, expressed his concerns regarding the Village's proposed millage rate.
Councilmember Bickel clarified that Council was setting a maximum millage rate as required by
law and that the millage rate can be lowered at a subsequent meeting.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers, Mr. Rubin and Mr. Huff regarding the proposed
millage rate and the possibility of a legislative bill being passed to eliminate property taxes, and
what the Village would need to do if the legislative bill passed.
Thereafter, the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-33 passed 3 to 1 with Mayor Searcy, President
Pro Tem Garrison, Councilmember Bickel voting aye and Councilmember Puyol voting nay.
Mr. Huff discussed the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Workshop schedule stating that the plan was to
have Council Budget Workshops begin at 4 p.m. on August 14th and August 28th and for the
Regular Council meetings to begin at 7 p.m. on both meeting dates.
Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 24, 2025 Page 5 of 7
RESOLUTION 2025-33 ESTABLISHING A TENTATIVE MILLAGE RATE FOR FY 2025-2026
AND SETTING THE 1 ST PUBLIC HEARING continued
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the Budget Workshop schedule.
Council came to consensus to have Council Budget Workshops begin at 4 p.m. on August 14th and
August 28th and for the Regular Council meetings to begin at 7 p.m. on both meeting dates.
Lighthouse Drive Bridge Design
Public Works Director Chad Girard began a presentation on the Lighthouse Drive Bridge
Replacement Design. Mr. Girard reviewed, discussed and explained the Project Schedule, Bridge
Definitions, Bridge Concepts, Bridge Cross -Section Public Voting Results and Online Questions,
Bridge Cross -Section Public Comments, Lighthouse Drive Bridge — Driver Behavior, Bridge
Cross -Section Options A & B, Barrier End Termination, Lighthouse Drive Bridge — Profile
Requirements, Roadway Profile and Railing Options, Driveway Tie -In Options A & B, FDOT
Funding and Sea Level Rise Predictions.
Mr. Girard indicated that a total of 160 votes were cast by the public for the survey that asked
which design option was preferred with regards to a bike lane and a sidewalk barrier on the bridge.
The design options were a seven (7) foot bike lane with no sidewalk barrier, a seven (7) foot bike
lane with a sidewalk barrier, no bike lane and no sidewalk barrier or a four (4) foot bike lane with
a sidewalk barrier. Four percent (4%) of residents voted for a seven (7) foot bike lane and no
sidewalk barrier, Twenty-eight percent (28%) of residents voted for a seven (7) foot bike lane and
a sidewalk barrier, Thirty-six percent (36%) of residents voted for no bike lane and no sidewalk
barrier and four percent (4%) of residents voted for a four (4) foot bike lane and a sidewalk barrier.
Discussion ensued between Mr. Girard and Councilmembers regarding whether to have a bike lane
and/or a sidewalk barrier and at what widths they should be.
Deborah Cross, 2560 Pepperwood Circle S., expressed her concerns about safety for bikers
crossing over the bridge on a bike lane. Mrs. Cross recommended no bike lane and just having a
sidewalk for bikers.
Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Rd. S., stated that bikers that are confident to stay on the road will stay on
the road and those who are not will stay on the sidewalk. Mr. Ryder agreed with adding 1.5 feet
of width to the shoulder of the bridge which would add a total of three (3) feet of the width to the
entire bridge.
Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Rd., agreed with Mr. Ryder's suggestion regarding the shoulder and
bridge widths.
Discussion continued between Councilmembers regarding whether to have a bike lane and/or a
sidewalk barrier and at what widths they should be.
Mr. Girard stated in order to move forward Council would need to agree to a maximum shoulder
width and in the future it could be narrowed but not be widened.
Council came to consensus to have eleven (11) foot bike lanes, six (6) foot sidewalks and a
maximum shoulder width of four (4) feet on the Lighthouse Bridge.
Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 24, 2025
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS
Workshop - Advisory Boards and Committees' Chair Rotation
Page 6 of 7
Mr. Huff explained that at the last Council meeting, members of the Environmental Committee
made a request to keep Karen Marcus as their Chairperson and to not rotate the chair per the
requirements of the Village code. The request caused other board and committee members to ask
if a waiver or variance could be added to the code in case a board or committee did not want to
rotate their chairperson on any given year. Mr. Huff indicated that it would require an ordinance
amending the code in order to include a waiver.
Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the intention of the requirement of the
yearly rotation of the chairperson on boards and committees.
Discussion continued regarding proposed changes to the chair rotation requirement.
Pat Friedman, 1208 Marine Way, expressed her support for boards and committees who do not
want to rotate their chairperson.
Discussion continued between Mr. Rubin and Councilmembers regarding what proposed changes
to make to the chair rotation requirement in the Village code.
Mary Phillips, 525 Ebbtide Drive, expressed her support for boards and committees who do not
want to rotate their chairperson and to change the code to include a waiver.
Donald Solodar, 100 Lakeshore Drive, expressed his support for revising the code to include a
waiver for boards and committees' chair rotation.
Discussion between Councilmembers continued regarding different options for revising the code
regarding the yearly chair rotation for the boards and committees.
Council came to consensus to revise the Village Code to include that it is the intent of the Village
Council for the chairperson to rotate on a yearly basis, however if it is the will of a board or
committee to continue with the same chairperson, said board or committee may continue with the
same chairperson by a majority vote.
VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS
Mr. Huff asked Communications Specialist Olivia Glowala to present social media statistics for
the NPB PD E-Bike Safety Video. Ms. Glowala stated that at the time the Social Media
Performance Report was done, there were a total of 20,371 views, 4180 reached, 221 interactions
and 3 days and 7 hours of watch time on Facebook and 36,895 views, 28,910 reached, 2792
interactions and 7 days and 4 hours of watch time on Instagram.
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS
Mr. Puyol discussed safety concerns at Village Hall and recommended changes to the way
customers have access to Village Hall offices.
Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held July 24, 2025 Page 7 of 7
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued
Mr. Huff stated that he and staff were looking into solutions for addressing safety concerns at
Village Hall.
Mr. Puyol presented a picture of a baby sea turtle explaining that he took the picture while he was
out fishing.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 9:1 7 p.m.
Je a Green, MMC, Village Clerk