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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-2025 VC REG-MPresent: ROLL CALL MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION VILLAGE COUNCIL OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA SEPTEMBER 25, 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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Mayor Interlandi led the public in the Pledge. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION Councilmember Puyol read a Proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month. Hispanic residents of North Palm Beach in attendance at the meeting thanked Council and had their picture taken with Council. Mayor Searcy read a Proclamation for Florida Climate Week. Shannon Maganiezin, Director of External Relations for Volo Foundation accepted the proclamation and thanked Council. Mayor Searcy read a Proclamation for Hunger Action Month. Mayor Searcy stated that there was no one present to accept the proclamation, therefore the proclamation would be mailed to the recipient. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The Minutes of the Regular Session held September 11, 2025 were approved as written. STATEMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S., expressed his concerns regarding information contained in the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) regarding the Country Club. Mr. Ryder expressed concerns regarding the Country Club Budget and the Enterprise Fund. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 25, 2025 Page 2 of 7 CONSENT AGENDA APPROVED Item 6 was removed from the Consent Agenda and placed on the Regular Agenda. Thereafter, the Consent agenda as amended was approved unanimously. The following items were approved: Resolution approving a Twelfth Amendment to the Agreement for grant services with RMPK Funding, Inc. for a total compensation not to exceed $20,000; and authorizing execution of the Amendment. Resolution approving a Mutual Aid Agreement for Cold Case Investigations with the City of Riviera Beach Police Department; and authorizing execution of the Agreement. Resolution approving a Fourth Amendment to the Contract with C.A.P. Government, Inc. to increase the total amount of compensation for Fiscal Year 2025 from $150,000 to $180,000; and authorizing execution of the Fourth Amendment. Receive for file Minutes of the Business Advisory Board meeting held 7/15/25. Receive for file Minutes of the Environmental Committee meeting held 8/11/25. Receive for file Minutes of the Recreation Advisory Board meeting held 8/12/25. RESOLUTION 2025-46 — RATIFYING MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PBCPBA AND IAFF A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Councilmember Bickel to adopt Resolution 2025-46 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, APPROVING AND RATIFYING MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE PALM BEACH COUNTY POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION, INC. AND THE PROFESSIONAL FIREFIGHTERS/PARAMEDICS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY, LOCAL 2928, IAFF, INC. TO EXTEND THE DEFERRED OPTION RETIREMENT PLAN FROM FIVE TO EIGHT YEARS; AUTHORIZING THE VILLAGE MANAGER TO EXECUTE THE MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Human Resource Director Jennifer Cain explained that the purpose of the resolution was to approve and ratify an amendment to Article 28 (Pension) and Article 6 (Pension) for IAFF CBA to amend the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP) extending the period of participation in the DROP from five (5) years to eight (8) years. The extension would apply to all members of the Pension Plan, including those currently participating in the DROP. Ms. Cain explained that an actuarial analysis was done with Foster & Foster which concluded that there would be no impact to the funding requirements of the program. The reason for the change was so that the Village would remain competitive with its benefit offerings compared to other municipalities. Mayor Searcy expressed her concerns with extending the DROP by three (3) years. Mayor Searcy stated that it would delay retirement and may create a lack of upward mobility for employees who are waiting from promotions. Councilmember Bickel stated that if it was what the employees requested that she was okay with the change. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 25, 2025 Page 3 of 7 RESOLUTION 2025-46 — RATIFYING MEMORANDUMS OF UNDERSTANDING WITH PBCPBA AND IAFF continued Mayor Searcy stated that she wanted it to be clear to the employees that this is what they asked for but that there may be unintended consequences such as waiting longer for a promotion or may retire before receiving a promotion. Ms. Cain stated that it was not required for an employee to be in the DROP for the full eight (8) years. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-46 passed unanimously. Mr. Puyol addressed comments made under "Statements from the Public" and requested that the Village Manager provide a report regarding the Country Club's budget and finances. Vice Mayor Interlandi stated that most of the questions regarding the Country Club's budget and finances were coming from Mr. Ryder. Vice Mayor Interlandi suggested that Mr. Ryder come in and meet with staff to get his questions answered. Councilmember Bickel stated that she would like to take a look at the Country Club's budget and finances and requested a future workshop to discuss the value of the amenities provided to the Country Club in relation to its budget and finances. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the Village's amenities and property values compared with other municipalities within Palm Beach County. PUBLIC HEARING AND QUASI-JUDICAL MATTERS PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE A motion was made by Councilmember Bickel and seconded by Vice Mayor Interlandi to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2025-14 entitled: 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 and enact on second 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 Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 25, 2025 Page 4 of 7 PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE E ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued 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 addressed an article from the Palm Beach Post dated September 15, 2025. Mr. Huff read the following portion of the article: "The Village Council has tentatively approved a property tax rate of 7.4 per $1000 of assessed value, unchanged from the prior year. North Palm Beach has the highest tax rate in North Palm Beach County, in part because the Village provides its own services including Police, Fire, Library and a Public Golf Course." Mr. Huff wanted to clarify that North Palm Beach had the highest millage rate in the northern part of the county but it was because it was all inclusive with the exception of storm water. Mr. Huff opened the Village website and began to review and discuss the tentative FY 2026 Adopted Budget. Mr. Huff reviewed the categories listed in the online Budget Book stating that it was the culmination of all of the budget workshops that have taken place since February. Mayor Searcy opened the public hearing on the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate and FY 2026 Budget. Chris Ryder, 118 Dory Road S., stated that prior to his Next Door social media post, he discussed the Country Club's budget and finances with each individual Councilmember. Mr. Ryder stated that he would be happy to meet with staff but was not willing to dig through the spending looking for items that should have been assigned to the Country Club. That task should be given to an outside auditor. Mr. Ryder continued to express his concerns regarding the Country Club's budget and finances and the Village's property taxes compared to other municipalities in the northern part of the county. Mr. Ryder concluded by reviewing a history of the Country Club's budget and how it was appropriated. There being no further comments, Mayor Searcy closed the public hearing. Mr. Huff addressed Mr. Ryder's comments and clarified that the fees at the Country Club were raised. Vice Mayor Interlandi addressed Mr. Ryder's comments and clarified that the funds for the wash plant at the Country Club were being paid out of the Enterprise Fund and the 1.2 million of debt service did not affect the millage rate since it is required to be paid out of non -ad valorem revenues. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers regarding the Village's increase in property values in comparison to other municipalities in the northern part of the county. Councilmember Puyol stated that the Village needed to focus on putting funds aside for infrastructure. Mayor Searcy clarified that the Village's property values have increased but the amount of property taxes collected have not. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 25, 2025 Page 5 of 7 PUBLIC HEARING AND SECOND READING OF AD VALOREM TAX MILLAGE RATE ORDINANCE AND BUDGET ORDINANCE continued 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 and enact on second reading Ordinance 2025-14 approving the Ad Valorem Tax Millage Rate passed unanimously. The motion to adopt and enact on second reading Ordinance 2024-15 approving the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Budget passed unanimously. RESOLUTION 2025-49 — CONTRACT FOR PURCHASE OF TWO PARCELS LOCATED Al 9525 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY AND BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FUND PURCHASE A motion was made by Councilmember Puyol and seconded by Vice Mayor Interlandi to adopt Resolution 2025-49 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL OF THE VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH, FLORIDA APPROVING A CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF TWO PARCELS OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 9525 OLD DIXIE HIGHWAY; AUTHORIZING AND DIRECTING THE MAYOR AND VILLAGE CLERK TO AMEND THE CAPITAL PROJECTS FUND BUDGET TO TRANSFER $530,000 FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE ACCOUNT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS ADMINISTRATION — LAND CAPITAL ACCOUNT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Rubin explained that on February 13, 2025, the Village Council approved the purchase of two parcels of property totaling 1.72 acres located at the northern portion of Old Dixie Highway west of the railroad tracks. The two (2) parcels being considered for purchase are immediately south of the two parcels that were recently purchased. All four (4) properties would total approximately 6.27 acres. Mr. Rubin stated that FL Statutes required two (2) appraisals when purchasing property in excess of $500,000. Two (2) appraisals were acquired which came back with valuations of $530,000 and $900,000. The Village negotiated the purchase price of $530,000 with a closing date of September 30, 2025. The Contract was considered an "option contract" and was contingent upon Council's approval. A Budget Amendment will be necessary since the purchase will increase the total General Fund Budget. Since the Village was currently in the year-end closing process, the transaction will be funded through CIP funds and the Budget Amendment will be processed at a later date. Councilmember Puyol expressed his support for the purchase of the two (2) parcels located on Old Dixie Highway. Councilmember Bickel expressed her support for the purchase of the two (2) parcels located on Old Dixie Highway. Mayor Searcy expressed her support for the purchase of the two (2) parcels located on Old Dixie Highway. Thereafter the motion to adopt Resolution 2025-49 passed unanimously. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 25, 2025 Page 6 of 7 VILLAGE MANAGER MATTERS/REPORTS Mr. Huff provided an update on the Village owned property located at 713 Westwind Drive. Mr. Huff stated that the property has been cleared and asked Council to provide direction at the next Council meeting on what Council would like to do with the property. Mr. Rubin stated that since the property was acquired through foreclosure there was a small mortgage that would need to be paid off. Mr. Rubin stated that he would provide an update on the payoff at the next Council meeting. Mr. Huff provided an update on Buoy Road. Mr. Huff stated that staff was working and coordinating with Seacoast Utilities. The project will go out to bid in late October and a contract awarded in January. The project can begin in February of next year. Discussion ensued between Councilmembers and Mr. Huff regarding the issues and short term and long term solutions for Buoy Road. MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS Mayor Searcy asked Mr. Rubin if he had any legislative updates. Mr. Rubin stated that he would have an update to discuss at the next Council meeting. Mr. Puyol provided an update on proposed changes to property taxes. Discussion ensued between Mr. Huff and Councilmembers regarding assessments on condominiums and possible solutions for owners who cannot afford to pay. Councilmember Bickel requested a workshop to discuss the issues faced by condominium owners and possible solutions. Discussion continued between Councilmembers. Councilmember Puyol thanked Village Clerk Jessica Green for coordinating the Palm Beach County League of Cities General Membership Meeting that took place at the Country Club on September 24`h. Councilmember Puyol stated that the parking lot at the event was full and stated that parking at the Country Club needed to be discussed and addressed since the Country Club was profitable and popular for events. Councilmember Bickel thanked staff for coordinating the Council Conversations event. Vice Mayor Interlandi recommended having another event that was more informal around the holidays. Councilmember Bickel recommended rotating individual Councilmembers on different dates and different times to have conversation with residents. Councilmember Puyol stated that the drainage at the lake on the golf course had been resolved. Minutes of the Village Council Regular Session held September 25, 2025 Page 7 of 7 MAYOR AND COUNCIL MATTERS/REPORTS continued Mr. Huff provided an update on the contract for the golf course lake repair. Mr. Huff stated that there would be a workshop regarding the Country Club parking at a Council meeting in October. Vice Mayor Interlandi announced that the Environmental Committee would be hosting a talk at the Country Club regarding vertical oyster gardens on October 4th at 10 a.m. The speaker will be Tom Twyford who is spearheading the project for the Fishing Club Foundation in concert with the Village. Mayor Searcy stated the Village had the best asphalt and announced that the Village won the Roads and Streets Builder of the Year award from the Asphalt Contractor's Association. Mayor Searcy announced that promotions were taking place in the Police Department and encouraged everyone to attend the official swearing -in ceremony that will be taking place on Wednesday, October 1 St at 3:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Mayor Searcy congratulated the police officers that have been promoted. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned at 7:16 p.m. Jessicreen, MMC, Village Clerk