Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-11-2025 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 Deborah Searcy, Mayor Lisa Interlandi, Vice Mayor Kristin Garrison, President Pro Tem Susan Bickel, Councilmember Orlando Puyol, Councilmember Chuck Huff, Village Manager Len Rubin, Village Attorney Jessica Green, Village Clerk Mayor Searcy called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All members of Council were present. All members of staff were present. Mayor Searcy asked Fire Chief Scott Fresemen to present the Village of North Palm Beach Firefighter and Police Color Guard to honor and have a moment of silence in remembrance of the lives that were lost in the terrorist attack that occurred on September 11, 2001. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Village of North Palm Beach Firefighter and Police Color Guard led the public in the pledge. Mayor Searcy thanked the Village of North Palm Beach Firefighter and Police Color Guard. Mayor Searcy announced that two firefighters would be promoted on September 12th and congratulated Anthony Giarusso who would be promoted to Deputy Fire Chief and Kevin Maloney who would promoted to Fire Captain. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held August 28, 2025 were approved as written. PUBLIC HEARING AND QUASI-JUDICAL MATTERS PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Bickel to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2025-14 entitled: Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 11, 2025 Page 2 of 7 PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued 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, 2025 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Vice Mayor Interlandi to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2025-15 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, 2025 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 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 and Council for dedicating their time to Budget Workshop meetings. Mr. Huff gave an overview of the schedule of past and future meetings for the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. Mr. Huff discussed and explained the Phases in the Municipal Budget Process and Budget Cycle Planning Timeline which were Strategic Planning, Departments Prepare Budget Requests, Management Team reviews Budget, Proposed Budget/Millage Rate, Council Workshops and Approve Budget/Millage Rate. Mr. Huff reviewed the challenges of 2026 which were "Managing Inflation and Rising Costs", "Addressing Aging Infrastructure", "Planning Long -Term Amid Uncertainty", "Navigating Tariffs", "Adjusting to the Sunset of Infrastructure Surtax", "Compensating for lost FRDAP Grants", "Operating with State Appropriations", "Facing the Absence of FEMA Support", and the "Absence of State Appropriated Funds for Storm Water". Mr. Huff reviewed how the Village's taxable value increases compared to other Palm Beach County municipalities stating that the Village of North Palm Beach had the third lowest percentage change. Mr. Huff stated that the budget was based on maintaining the current millage rate of 7.40 mils and provided for maintenance of the Village's level of service, amenities and quality of life programs remaining fully funded in FY26, Capital Improvements, replacement of essential (capital) equipment and vehicles, employee salary increases and employee benefits. Mr. Huff reviewed a snapshot of the General Fund, Country Club and Stormwater Fund. Mr. Huff reviewed Taxpayer Impacts and discussed and explained Taxable Value, Ad Valorem Taxes and an example tax bill for the Village of North Palm Beach. Mr. Huff stated that for every dollar spent in property taxes, the Village only receives $0.37. Mr. Huff reviewed the FY26 Budget Summary of the General Fund Revenues and Expenditures. The Total General Fund Budget was $39,994,910. Mr. Huff reviewed the FY26 Country Club Revenues and Expenses. The Total Country Club Budget was $9,290,945. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 11, 2025 Page 3 of 7 PUBLIC HEARING AND FIRST READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued Mr. Huff continued by reviewing and discussing the Stormwater Utility Fund total fund budget of $500,000. Mr. Huff reviewed the FY 2026- FY 2030 5-Year Capital Improvement Summary Plan which included a five-year ongoing and rolling expenditure plan that provides the Village with a financial strategy for infrastructure improvements, major capital improvements may require multiple years to strategically plan, design, fund, and eventually construct or execute. It is updated annually to add new appropriations and projects while evaluating priorities, new requirements, and new funding sources based on Council's strategic planning. Mr. Huff stated that the Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Total 5 year CIP amounted to $4,617,438. FY 2027 large projects would be the Lighthouse Bridge, Septic/Sewer, Club EOC, Anchorage Park South Seawall & Dock Replacement. Mr. Huff gave a Municipal Services Comparison showing that the Village was a full -service community. Mr. Huff concluded the presentation and asked if Council had any questions. Mayor Searcy opened the public hearing on the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate and FY 2026 Budget. Karen Marcus, 920 Evergreen Drive, thanked Council for the budget and funding the Police and Fire Department and all of the Village employees. There being no further comments, Mayor Searcy closed the public hearing. Councilmember Puyol expressed his understanding and approval of the proposed budget and millage rate. Vice Mayor Interlandi expressed her approval and support of the proposed budget and millage rate. Councilmember Bickel expressed her approval and support of the proposed budget and millage rate. Mayor Searcy expressed her approval and support of the proposed budget and millage rate. A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to establish an ad valorem tax millage rate of 7.4000 mils. Thereafter the motion passed unanimously. Mayor Searcy announced that the rolled back rate was 7.0247 mils, the percentage increase over the rolled back rate was 5.34%, and the millage rate to be levied was 7.4000 mils. The motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2025-14 approving the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate passed unanimously. The motion to adopt on first reading Ordinance 2024-15 approving the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Budget passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2025-43 — NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY ASSESSMENT A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Councilmember Puyol to adopt Resolution 2025-43 entitled: Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 11, 2025 Page 4 of 7 RESOLUTION 2025-43 — NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY ASSESSMENT continued A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, ADOPTING AND CERTIFYING THE NON -AD VALOREM ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY ASSESSMENT FOR PARCELS OF REAL PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE VILLAGE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public Works Director Chad Girard explained that the purpose of the resolution was to approve the 2025-2026 Non -Ad Valorem Assessment Roll for the Stormwater Utility Assessment. Mr. Girard stated that there were no changes to the assessment from the previous year. This year there were 7,205 parcels and a total assessment value of $485,218.96. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-43 passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2024-44 — PARTICIPATION IN LAWSUIT CHALLENGING SENATE BILL 180 A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Bickel to adopt Resolution 2025-44 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION IN A LAWSUIT SEEKING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO DECLARE THAT SENATE BILL 180'S IMPOSITION OF A BLANKET STATEWIDE PROHIBITION ON THE EXERCISE OF HOME RULE AUTHORITY OVER LAND USE AND ZONING REGULATIONS IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND SHOULD BE ENJOINED AND RETAINING THE LAW FIRM OF WEISS SEROTA HELFMAN COLE + BIERMAN, PL TO PROSECUTE THE LAWSUIT; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin explained that Senate Bill 180 froze counties and municipalities throughout the State of Florida from exercising their home rule authority over land use and zoning regulations retroactive to August 1, 2024 through October 1, 2027. Mr. Rubin explained that the Village was severely impacted by SB 180 since it had spent many months and expended funds to update its EAR and Comprehensive Plan only to receive a letter from Florida Commerce declaring it void due to SB 180. Mr. Rubin stated that the law firm of Weiss Serota Helfman Cole + Berman would be filing a lawsuit alleging that SB 180 was unconstitutional and invalid because, among other things, it: (1) embraces more than one subject matter; (2) included a defective title; (3) requires local governments to spend an amount that exceeds an insignificant fiscal impact without including a finding that the law fulfills and important state interest; and (4) constitutes a sweeping intrusion on home rule authority, threatening local ability to enact land use, zoning, flood -resiliency, and environmental protections. Councilmember Bickel expressed her support for the resolution to join the lawsuit declaring Senate Bill 180 unconstitutional. Discussion ensued among Councilmembers regarding SB 180's potential impacts to the Village. Mr. Rubin explained that the intention of the lawsuit was to place an injunction on SB 180 and then to have it declared unconstitutional. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 11, 2025 Page 5 of 7 RESOLUTION 2024-44 — PARTICIPATION IN LAWSUIT CHALLENGING SENATE BILL 180 continued Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2024-77 passed unanimously. 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 Design Schedule stating that final construction drawings were anticipated for November 2026, and reviewed Bridge Cross -Section Option A with renderings and Bridge Cross -Section Option B with renderings. Pam Cinilia, 640 Lighthouse Drive, expressed her concerns with a proposed expansion of the Lighthouse Bridge. Mrs. Cinilia requested smaller sidewalks and shoulder requirement and to keep the new bridge similar to what was already there. Mrs. Cinilia requested five (5) foot sidewalks to maintain continuity with the approaching sidewalks. Ronald Lantz, 720 Ibis Way, expressed his concerns with the proposed width of the sidewalks for the proposed Lighthouse Bridge design and stated that the majority of residents voted for no bike lanes on the bridge. Karen Marcus, 920 Evergreen Drive, stated that she was on Council when the contract with WGI for the Lighthouse Drive Bridge design was approved and that she was also on the Selection Committee that selected WGI. Ms. Marcus stated that she supported ten (10) foot lanes, five (5) foot sidewalks and the 2.5 foot shoulders. Ms. Marcus stated that waivers to the green book standard could be obtained. Ms. Marcus stated that she could provide the schedule for the Prosperity Farms Road bridge which is anticipated to be completed in 2028. Ms. Marcus recommended a smaller footprint of the Lighthouse Drive Bridge. Mayor Searcy began a presentation regarding the 2016 Master Plan by Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and the 2023 Lighthouse Drive Traffic Calming Study. Mayor Searcy reviewed the 2016 Master Plan and the survey results of the of a NPB Community Survey done by 2GHO. Mayor Searcy reviewed and discussed possible alternatives provided by Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council and renderings of examples of shared use paths. 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. Vice Mayor Interlandi stated that most of the residents she has heard from did not want a bigger bridge. Vice Mayor Interlandi proposed replacing the existing bridge and not expand the bridge and designing it to have a nine (9) inch railing, five (5) foot sidewalks, a thirteen (13) inch crash barrier, a 2.5-foot shoulder and ten (10) foot travel lanes. Councilmember Bickel agreed with Vice Mayor Interlandi's proposal and asked if it were possible to make one sidewalk smaller on one side than the opposite sidewalk. Councilmember Bickel asked if Council was at a consensus to have (10) foot travel lanes and a barrier between the road and the sidewalk for the new Lighthouse Drive Bridge. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 11, 2025 Page 6 of 7 Lighthouse Drive Bridge Design continued Council came to consensus to have ten (10) foot travel lanes and a barrier between the road and the sidewalk for the new Lighthouse Drive Bridge. Councilmember Puyol discussed the proposal of adding bike lanes to the new Lighthouse Drive Bridge. Councilmember Puyol supported keeping the bridge as small as possible. Councilmember Bickel asked Mr. Girard about redesigning the barrier to be permeable and moved closer to cars to slow traffic and if the drainage could be moved to the other side of the barrier to make the sidewalk wider and the road narrower. Discussion ensued between Mr. Girard and Councilmembers regarding engineering requirements for the bridge. Councilmember Bickel stated that she supported five (5) foot sidewalks. Mayor Searcy expressed her support for adding bike lanes to the new Lighthouse Drive Bridge. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Girard regarding whether to add bike lanes to the new Lighthouse Bridge and whether grant funding would be affected by getting waivers. Vice Mayor Interlandi expressed her support for Mayor Searcy's presentation and opinion regarding bike lanes and discussed why she was voting for a narrower bridge without bike lanes. Mr. Girard clarified that Council was requesting ten (10) foot travel lanes, 2.5 foot shoulders, crash barriers and five (5) foot sidewalks and Council agreed. Mayor Searcy asked if they could request a minimum of six (6) foot sidewalks in the case that waivers were necessary for five (5) foot sidewalks that would impact grant funding, and to make sure that the proposed bridge meets industry standards. Vice Mayor Interlandi asked Mr. Girard to confirm whether or not a waiver would be required and if the proposed smaller bridge would meet industry standards. Mr. Girard stated that he would find out the information necessary to make sure the proposed bridge could move forward and still receive grant funding. Councilmember Bickel asked that if waivers prevented the grant funding, that the proposed bridge be brought back for discussion at a public meeting. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Councilmember Bickel stated that there was a great news story regarding the Village's vertical oyster garden. Councilmember Bickel expressed her gratitude to the Environmental Committee for their contributions. Vice Mayor Interlandi stated that the Town of Palm Beach had begun addressing issues in the Lake Worth Lagoon regarding long term mooring and anchoring. The Town of Palm Beach has been collaborating with the Village and using the Village's practices to address the issues. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 11, 2025 Page 7 of 7 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mayor Searcy announced the Recreation Department was offering adult sports activities such as soccer, a basketball league and a kickball league. Mayor Searcy announced that the "Touch a Truck" event would be taking place on September 20th. Councilmember Puyol stated that the Village will be hosting the Palm Beach County League of Cities Board and General Membership Meeting at the Country Club on September 24th and suggested providing ship wheel coasters as a gift for the attendees. Councilmember Puyol stated that he was one out of ten (10) of Palm Beach County's thirty-nine (39) municipalities that have a Hispanic elected official despite the fact that 40% of the population in Palm Beach County is Hispanic. Councilmember Puyol encouraged members of the Hispanic community to step out and run for office. Councilmember Puyol asked for help from the community and expressed a need for a John boat to place vertical oyster gardens on docks within the community. VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff announced that "Conversations with Council" will take place on September 16th beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Country Club Banquet room. Mr. Huff reviewed the guidelines as it related to the Sunshine Law. ADJOURNMENT There being rther business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:40 p.m. JessGreen, MMC, Village Clerk